Cardiovascular
Emergencies
When to call a Doctor…
Angina
• How do you say it?
• What is it?
Stable Angina
• Chronic condition due to fixed
blockage
• Tends to not change in pattern over
time
• Change in pattern may be a warning
sign
Unstable Angina
• Acute process due to progressive
blockage, often due to blood clot
• Pain at rest with minimal activity
• Good reason for an ER visit!
New Onset Angina
• Stable versus Unstable
• Another good reason to call the
Doctor or visit the ER
Nitroglycerin
• May be used to relieve Anginal
attacks
• Directions for use may vary
Heart Attack
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•
Totally blocked vessel
Discomfort at rest
Associated symptoms
Uncertainty is normal
EMS transport
Heart Attack Diagnosis
• History
• EKG
• Blood Tests
Cardiac Arrest
• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Summon EMS
• AED
Stroke
• Brain Attack
• Causes may vary:
– Atherosclerosis
– Blood clot
– Bleeding
Symptoms of Stroke
• Sudden numbness or weakness of
face, arm or leg
• Confusion/difficulty of speech
• Vision loss in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache
Stroke
• If symptoms- contact EMS
immediately
• Treatment is dependent upon a strict
time frame
Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Much like Angina can be acute or
chronic
Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Chronic Stable PVD can cause
claudication
• Cramping (usually of legs) with
activity
• Various treatments are available
Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Acute occlusion can occur
• The three P’s
– Pain
– Pallor
– Pulselessness
• Summon EMS