Suffering from cardiac arrest while staying in a hospital might be more deadly than receiving such a fit at a crowded airport, according to a new study.

Being a nurse, I find this hard to believe. I would think that we would respond quicker and get CPR and an ET tube in place quicker than an innocent bystander looking for the AED on the wall. I can not remember more than a 3-4 minute lag or down time for any code situation that I have ever personally been involved in. And what if the person needs to be trached or a balloon pump inserted for concractility of a mushy heart? I don’t see that happening on a mall floor.

The study published by the New England Journal of Medicine stated that in 1/3 of all hospital cardiac arrests, nurses and doctors did not move quickly enough resulting in brain deprivation and death. Hmm… I don’t know about this one. What do you think?

via Mens Daily Health

Post from: Blisstree

Safer To Cardiac Arrest In A Mall Bathroon Than A Hospital…

I am curious if number one it worked for you? Number two… any side effects or issues with it? I have seen a lot, and I mean a lot, of patients lately having anxiety and severe panic attacks, heart palpitations and that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. The dreams that people tell tales of…

My father used this and it cut his cravings for the cigs down. He did complain of the nightmares and vivid dreams but not much else.  He has yet to give up the ol’ cancer sticks. I know that the Chantix works for many people but I have to wonder about a drug so new. What will we learn about it over the next few years? Do you think there will be a recall and a big fat pull off the shelves? Fill me in on your experience.

Post from: Blisstree

Has Chantix Done You Wrong?

• ablation for atrial fibrillation
• lead placement for biventricular pacing
• delivery of myocardial regenerative treatments

Watch the videos and learn more at Guardian Unlimited. Is it just me or does it look really huge and awkward stomping on the pig heart?!

Post from: Blisstree

HeartLander Robot for Cardiac Surgery

• Colombia – $90,000
• China – $130,000 – 160,000
• South Africa – $290,000
• South Korea – $290,000
• Taiwan – $290,000
• Singapore – $290,000

I wonder why the most common price is $290,000. Perhaps a body broker effect.

via Wired

Post from: Blisstree

How much does this heart cost?

A study of New Jersey hospitals between 1987 and 2002 has found that heart-attack patients on the weekends were more likely to die one day after admission. The effect continued at one month, six months, and a year later. One reason given for their higher mortality rate is that doctors are less likely to use angioplasty and other invasive procedures to treat patients on the weekends. But it’s been five years since the end of that study and cardiologists have changed their practice since then. They now clear clogged arteries as soon as possible when a person presents with heart attack.

Still, there may be other factors aside from the type and frequency of medical procedures. Maybe patients resist going to the hospital because they’d rather continue enjoying their leisure activity of choice. By the time they end up at the hospital, the time lapse between heart attack and medical care is longer than it would be on the weekday. Also, there may be fewer hospital staff on duty during weekends and they may be more hesitant to call cardiologists because it’s a holiday.

What is most important to remember if you think you’re having a heart attack regardless of when it might strike – CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, NY Times, March 16, 2007

Like this post? Why not read another? Every page you read at A Hearty Life in March is helping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

ETonline.com, March 15, 2007

Post from: Blisstree

Heart Attacks on the Weekend are Bad News

Today at Genetics and Health, I’ve got an interview with ER nurse Kim McAllister of Emergiblog. In the interview, we talked about Beatrice Vance, the woman who died of a heart attack while waiting in her local hospital’s emergency room. Come take a look to see what Kim thinks of the tragic situation.

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Thoughts From ER Nurse Kim McAllister of Emergiblog

Dear Doctor,

Why do you make me wait to see you? Don’t you know my time is as valuable as yours?

Aaron

/me gets out the time calculator

Have you got a Dear Doctor letter to share? Email me!

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Dear Doctor #2: Waiting Time

Dr. Wes: Perfecting Social Graces

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Heart Disease or Cancer? You Choose

Post from: Blisstree

Grand Rounds Vol 2 (33) at Aetiology

For other health and medical bloggers interested in becoming certified, I’d recommend answering the full disclosure questions needed to join the G&H Honor Roll first. This will make your application to HONcode much easier.

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A Hearty Life Now HONcode Certified