THE DISEASED HEART: YOUR QUESTIONS & DOCTOR’S ANSWERS - HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY THE ARRHYTHMIAS AND THE BLOCKS ? WHY DOES BLOOD PRESSURE FALL DURING A HEART ATTACK ? WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF A PRECIPITATE FALL OF BLOOD PRESSURE ?
Q. How do you identify the arrhythmias and the blocks ?
A. They can be suspected on clinical examination, but for their proper identification ECG (electrocardiogram) is essential. In fact, ECG is the most important tool in this respect.
Q. Why does blood pressure fall during a heart attack ?
A. A segment of the heart muscle is under extreme stress of ischaemia, a part of which may be dead or dying. There may be some arrhythmias or blocks. All these factors interfere with the contractility and pumping action of the heart. The contractions of the heart become weaker, lowering the blood pressure. In some cases, the fall may be profound and precipitate.
Q. What are the dangers of a precipitate fall of blood pressure ?
A. If the blood pressure falls below 80 or 90 mm systolic, effective circulation of blood cannot be maintained. As a result, various organs including the brain and kidneys do not get enough blood for mamtaining their life and functions. This dangerous condition is called 'cardiogenic shock'.
*10\328\8*
Cardio & Blood | 
