Cardiac Massage and Its Benefits for Cardiac Emergency

Cardiac massage, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is a lifesaving technique that may perform in case of sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that takes place when the heart stops pumping blood to the body. Without blood flow, the brain and other organs can become damaged or die within minutes. CPR can help to restore blood flow to the body and give the patient a chance to survive.

CPR involves two basic steps: chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions are used to manually pump blood through the body, while rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs. The technique may usually perform by trained professionals, such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. But it can also be done by bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest.

When to Perform Cardiac Massage?

Cardiac massage may also be performed in cases of respiratory arrest, which is when a person stops breathing. In these cases, CPR can help to keep oxygen flowing to the lungs and prevent brain damage until medical help arrives. CPR can be performed by anyone, including bystanders, in case of an emergency.

Cardiac massage is recommended to perform immediately in cases of cardiac arrest, as every minute that passes without treatment decreases the chance of survival. If there is more than one person present during the emergency, one person should call for emergency medical services while the other person performs CPR. 

It is important to note that CPR is not appropriate in all situations. It should only be performed on individuals who are not breathing or who do not have a pulse, as performing CPR on someone who does not need it can be harmful. Additionally, in some cases, it may be appropriate to withhold or stop CPR if the patient has a terminal condition. Or if the resuscitation efforts are not successful after a period of time. Overall, cardiac massage is performed in cases of cardiac or respiratory arrest, and it is a critical first step in the treatment of these emergencies.

There are two main types of cardiac massage:

1. External Cardiac Massage: This is the most common type of cardiac massage and involves pressing down on the chest to manually pump the heart. External cardiac massage is performed by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest and the other hand on top of the first hand. Pressure is applied to the chest to compress the heart and push blood out to the body. This type of massage is often done in combination with artificial respiration, which involves breathing air into the person’s lungs.

1. Internal Cardiac Massage: This type of cardiac massage is less commonly used and is typically performed in a hospital setting. Internal cardiac massage involves inserting a tube into the person’s airway and then delivering rhythmic compressions to the heart using a machine. This technique is used when external cardiac massage is not effective or is not possible due to the person’s physical condition. It is usually performed under anesthesia or sedation, as it can be uncomfortable and painful for the person.

Benefits of Cardiac Massage

After the initial set of compressions and rescue breaths, the cycle is repeated, with 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. This cycle continues until medical personnel arrives to take over, the patient starts breathing on their own, or the person performing the massage becomes too exhausted to continue.

Cardiac massage can be a lifesaving technique, and it is important to perform it correctly and without delay in case of cardiac arrest. It is better that individuals learn how to perform cardiac massage through a certified training program. To ensure they are prepared to perform it effectively in an emergency situation.

·       Saves Lives

The primary benefit of cardiac massage is that it can save lives. CPR is a critical first step in treating cardiac arrest, and it can significantly increase the chances of survival. According to the American Heart Association, performing CPR within the early few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or even triple the chances of survival. 

·       Prevents Brain Damage

Cardiac arrest can cause brain damage within minutes, but performing CPR can help to prevent this damage. Chest compressions and rescue breaths can aid to maintain blood flow to the brain. Also, the other organs, which can prevent permanent damage.

·       Easy to Learn

CPR is a simple technique that can be learned by anyone. There are many resources available to teach people how to perform CPR, including online courses and in-person training sessions. Learning CPR can help to empower individuals to respond quickly in case of an emergency. 

·       Cost-Effective

CPR is a cost-effective treatment that can be performed with minimal equipment. Unlike other medical treatments, which can be expensive and time-consuming, CPR can be performed quickly and with few resources.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that cardiac massage should only be performed by trained medical professionals. And only in emergency situations when a person’s life is at risk. Cardiac massage is a critical technique that can save lives and prevent permanent damage in case of cardiac arrest. 

It is an easy-to-learn, cost-effective treatment that may perform by anyone. Making it an important skill for all individuals to have. If you haven’t learned CPR yet, we encourage you to do so. It could make all the difference in an emergency situation.

FAQs

What is cardiac massage used for?

The heart is compressed during a cardiac massage, which forces blood through the veins and arteries. If the heart stops beating regularly, the procedure attempts to treat cardiac arrest.

What is the survival rate of cardiac massage?

This technique on more than 20 patients has given an overall permanent survival rate of 70%.

Can massages prevent heart attacks?

Massage Helps Reduce Blood Pressure, Heart Rate & Stress. Regular massage can help heal the heart and prevent heart disease.

Does the heart rate increase after the massage?

More studies have shown that massage decreases blood pressure, slows heart rate, and improves blood flow.