Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest.

Heart stops pumping blood, when there is a cardiac arrest , which is often caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF).CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored.

What happens during CPR?

During CPR, the chest is pressed on forcefully. Electric stimulation to the chest and special medicines are sometimes used. This is usually done for 15 to 30 minutes. A tube may also be put through the mouth or nose into the lung. This tube is then connected to a breathing machine.

More information on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) is when part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies because it isn’t receiving oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the heart by the arteries (blood vessels). Most heart attacks are caused by a blockage in these arteries. Usually the blockage is caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits (called plaque) inside the artery. Click here for Signs Of a Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest

Risk factors for a heart attack

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Increasing age–83% of people who die from heart disease are 65 years of age or older
• High cholesterol level
• High blood pressure
• Family history of heart attack
• Race–African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians are at greater risk.
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Obesity
• Sex–More males have heart attacks, although heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.