Initially, internal cardiac massage was being practised by doctors before the closed cardiac or external cardiac massage was introduced. Internal cardiac massage involved the process where the doctor could cut open the chest, reach in, and squeeze the chest. External cardiac massage is commonly known as chest compressions because it is impossible to massage the heart. Online CPR recertification is therefore important because you will have the ability to save lives in dangerous situations.
Many today are suffering from cardiac arrests and it is very important if you have an online CPR recertification because you will be able to solve the issues appropriately and professionally.
Importance of Veins
All blood vessels are very important in guiding the flow of blood around the chest during CPR but the vein plays a crucial role. The vein makes it possible for CPR to work effectively.
Blood Vessels Type 101
There are three types of pipes which carry blood through the body and they include:
- Arteries
- Veins
- Capillaries
Capillaries are commonly the tiniest among the blood vessels. They only permit red blood cells to pass through in a single file. Many capillaries are usually located in tissues and muscle but it is very hard to observe them with naked eyes. Muscles and soft tissues are usually blood-soaked rather than having blood vessels around them.
Arteries usually transport blood from the heart to tissues. They are usually under high pressure and have thick walls which allow expansion and constriction to enable the flow of blood. Arteries of the young and healthy people are usually open and clear but with time, plaque usually starts forming inside. Plaque is harmful at some point because it can block the flow of blood to the heart which causes a stroke or heart attacks.
Veins are very important for collecting blood from tissues which then carries the blood to the heart. They are usually under low pressure and possess thinner walls compared to arteries. Veins cannot constrict and expand. They have valves that allow the movement of blood under low pressure. The valves are only found in veins and are essential for allowing the flow of blood in a single direction. To check out if this works, you should do the following:
- Swing your hand to the sides for about 15 seconds.
- Shake your hand a little and allow the blood to settle.
- Create a fist and then check for a vein at the back of the hand.
- Track the direction of the vein towards the heart. You will discover that the vein will flatten but will not disappear.
- The vein usually flattens as soon as you push out the blood and the blood that has flown out cannot come back due to the availability of the valves. To confirm the presence of a valve, pace your finger on the vein and check for a spot on the vein that is not flat.
The Flow of Blood by Compression
It is very important to know that your muscles and tissues perform like sponges. If for example, you squeeze a sponge that is soaked, you will discover that fluid come out. For the body tissues, squeezing forces the blood out. Blood that is squeezed out of tissues usually moves into the arteries or veins.
The blood which moves to the veins cannot move back due to the presence of valves. However, through compression, the pressure is obtained which is enough to move the blood back into the heart and to the veins. Every heart chamber possesses a valve. This is because when blood exits through a heart chamber, it cannot flow back unless it completes its circulation cycle.
Massaging does not necessarily mean acting to the heart directly but involves squeezing the chambers that are closed.
Squeezing and Sucking
Squeezing of blood out of tissues is not the lone way of encouraging the flow of blood during chest compressions. Chest compression is very important but you have to allow it to recoil so that it can return to the original shape. This can be seen in squeezed sponges where when released, they suck up the fluid. The heart chambers also experience the same way because they recoil after blood is sucked due to the presence of valves.
The action of sucking during heart compressions that result in recoiling is considered to be very important in CPR just like pushing. Hands-only CPR is always successful because it does not involve the blowing of the chest hence reducing the ability of bloodsucking.
Many patients usually experience sudden cardiac arrest. They should not be attended with the mouth-mouth treatment because it is unnecessary. They should, however, receive treatment through chest compressions. This is because, after the attack of cardiac arrest, a lot of oxygen is usually left in the bloodstream.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
