Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest incident. The news comes as high-profile stories of cardiac arrests in recent years have shed light on this medical emergency.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood to vital organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. It can stem from known heart conditions or occur suddenly and unexpectedly, often due to ventricular fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
Other notable athletes, such as basketball player Bronny James and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, have suffered cardiac arrests in recent years. While these incidents are rare, they emphasize the importance of being prepared for cardiac emergencies.
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when part of the heart muscle is severely jeopardized or dies due to an insufficiency of oxygen supply compared to demand for oxygen. Heart attacks can be prevented by opening up blocked arteries using catheters and stents.
Acting fast in the event of cardiac arrest can significantly improve survival rates. Hands-only CPR, a form of CPR that uses chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing, has been found to be more effective in preserving life than traditional CPR outside of hospitals. Anyone can learn hands-only CPR with short videos demonstrating the technique.
When performing CPR on someone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, it’s essential to check for signs of consciousness, a pulse or breathing, and call 911 if necessary. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can also help restore blood flow to vital organs.
Experts stress that preparedness and early recognition are crucial in preventing cardiac emergencies. Making emergency response plans for households and community centers, as well as training loved ones in CPR, can make a significant difference in responding to cardiac arrests.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cardiac-arrest-heart-attack-hulk-hogan_l_68825b61e4b01be72b3e3f34