External
What is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. When that happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If it is not treated, SCA usually causes death within minutes. But quick treatment with a defibrillator may be lifesaving.
How is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) different from a heart attack?A heart attack is different from an SCA. A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. During a heart attack, the heart usually doesn't suddenly stop beating. With an SCA, the heart stops beating.
Sometimes an SCA can happen after or during recovery from a heart attack.
What causes sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?Your heart has an electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. An SCA can happen when the heart's electrical system is not working right and causes irregular heartbeats. Irregular heartbeats are called arrhythmias. There are different types. They may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. Some can cause the heart to stop pumping blood to the body; this is the type that causes SCA.
Certain diseases and conditions can cause the electrical problems that lead to SCA. They include:
- Ventricular fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia where the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers) don't beat normally. Instead, they beat very fast and very irregularly. They can't pump blood to the body. This causes most SCAs.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called ischemic heart disease. CAD happens when the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It is often caused by the buildup of plaque, a waxy substance, inside the lining of larger coronary arteries. The plaque blocks some or all of the blood flow to the heart.
- Some types of physical stress can cause your heart's electrical system to fail, such as
- Intense physical activity in which your body releases the hormone adrenaline. This hormone can trigger SCA in people who have heart problems.
- Very low blood levels of potassium or magnesium. These minerals play an important role in your heart's electrical system.
- Major blood loss
- Severe lack of oxygen
- Certain inherited disorders which can cause arrhythmias or problems with the structure of your heart
- Structural changes in the heart, such as an enlarged heart due to high blood pressure or advanced heart disease. Heart infections can also cause changes to the structure of the heart.
You are at higher risk for SCA if you:
- Have coronary artery disease (CAD). Most people with SCA have CAD. But CAD usually doesn't cause symptoms, so they may not know that they have it.
- Are older; your risk increases with age
- Are a man; it is more common in men than women
- Are Black or African American, especially if you have other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease
- Have a personal history of heartbeats that aren't regular (arrhythmia)
- Have a personal or family history of SCA or inherited disorders that can cause arrhythmia
- Have a problem with drug or alcohol use
- Have had a heart attack
- Have heart failure
Usually, the first sign of SCA is loss of consciousness (fainting). This happens when the heart stops beating.
Some people may have a racing heartbeat or feel dizzy or light-headed just before they faint. And sometimes people have chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting in the hour before they have an SCA.
How is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) diagnosed?SCA happens without warning and requires emergency treatment. Health care providers rarely diagnose SCA with medical tests as it's happening. Instead, it is usually diagnosed after it happens. Providers do this by ruling out other causes of a person's sudden collapse.
If you are at high risk for SCA, your provider may refer you to a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases. The cardiologist may ask you to get various heart health tests to see how well you heart is working. He or she will work with you to decide whether you need treatment to prevent SCA.
What are the treatments for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?SCA is an emergency. A person having SCA needs to be treated with a defibrillator right away. A defibrillator is a device sends an electric shock to the heart. The electric shock can restore a normal rhythm to a heart that's stopped beating. To work well, it needs to be done within minutes of the SCA.
Most police officers, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders are trained and equipped to use a defibrillator. Call 9-1-1 right away if someone has signs or symptoms of SCA. The sooner you call for help, the sooner lifesaving treatment can begin.
What should I do if I think that someone has had an SCA?Many public places such as schools, businesses, and airports have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). AEDs are special defibrillators that untrained people can use if they think that someone has had SCA. AEDS are programmed to give an electric shock if they detect a dangerous arrhythmia. This prevents giving a shock to someone who may have fainted but isn't having SCA.
If you see someone who you think has had SCA, you should give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until defibrillation can be done.
People who are at risk for SCA may want to consider having an AED at home. Ask your cardiologist to help you decide whether having an AED in your home might help you.
What are the treatments after surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?If you survive SCA, you'll likely be admitted to a hospital for ongoing care and treatment. In the hospital, your medical team will closely watch your heart. They may give you medicines to try to reduce the risk of another SCA.
They will also try to find out what caused your SCA. If you're diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you may have an angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. These procedures help restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
Often, people who have had SCA get a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This small device is surgically placed under the skin in your chest or abdomen. An ICD uses electric pulses or shocks to help control dangerous arrhythmias.
Can sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) be prevented?You may be able to lower your risk of SCA by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. If you have coronary artery disease or another heart disease, treating that disease can also lower your risk of SCA. If you have had an SCA, getting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can lower your chance of having another SCA.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Home Remedies for External
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory substances. It can for used internally and externally for the treatment of acne, boils, eczema and rashes.
Internal: Make tea from the 1 ounce red clover tops in 1 quart of water. Strain the ......d rashes.
Internal: Make tea from the 1 ounce red clover tops in 1 quart of water. Strain the cooled liquid. Drink the tea in throughout the day.
Externally: Heat flowering red clover plant in water just below boiling until plant is soft. Remove water and make a paste from the plant. Then add ...
Mechanism - allantoin and othersIvanTurgenev | August 12th, 2020
Felter's Materia Medica on External
The bark and prepared resinous exudate of Tsuga canadensis, Carriére (Abies canadensis, Michaux; Pinus canadensis, Linné). (Nat. Ord.... / ...rosis with gastric irritation, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Contraindicated in inflammations. Therapy.External. A strong decoction of the bark is a satisfactory astringent for the checking of leucorrhoe... / ...be used where there is excessive secretion of mucus and the cough is largely precipitated by a feeble and relaxed state of the uvula and fauces. 2
The flowering tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United... / ...oholic cordial, and Wermuth, a German beer, both depend upon wormwood for their activity. Therapy.External. Absinthium, steeped in vinegar and water, makes an admirable hot fomentation for sprains, ... / ...used for the expulsion of the intestinal parasites-Ascaris vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides. The oil may be given in doses of 1 to 5 drops. 2
The fresh bulb of Allium Cepa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Common in cultivation everywhere. Common Name: Onion. Principal Constituent.A... / ...ture of Red Onion. 5 to 60 drops. 2. Syrup of Onion. Dose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms. Action and Therapy.External. Onion is rubefacient. A poultice of onion with vinegar gives relief to inflamed corns and ... / ...pus, and mucus. The dose is from 5 to 10 drops in water. It is sometimes given with an equal quantity of tincture of Xanthium Strumarium. 2
The bulb of Allium sativum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Sicily, Asia Minor, and Central Asia; cultivated also in the United States and Europe.... / ...ose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms. 2. Succus Allii, Juice of Allium. Dose, 1 fluidrachm. Action and Therapy.External. Stimulant and rubefacient. Garlic poultice, like that of the onion, may be applied with be...2
The recent bark of Alnus serrulata, Aiton (Nat. Ord. Betulaceae). A shrub of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Common Names: Tag... / ... used as a local application. 2. Specific Medicine Alnus. Dose, 1 to 60 drops. Action and Therapy.External. The decoction is one of the best of local applications for rhus poisoning. We have observe... / ...are best displayed in pustular eczema and recurrent crops of boils. Passive haematuria is sometimes controlled by its astringent action. 2
The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils.... / ...Dose, Freely. 3. Syrupus Althaææ. Syrup of Althaea. Dose, 1 fluidounce to 4 fluidounces. Therapy. External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery... / ...if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication. 2
The fecula or starch of the seed of Zea Mays, Linné (Nat. Ord. Gramineae). (Formula: C6 H10 05). Common Name: Corn... / ...and gastric acidity. Under the same conditions it may cause sugar to appear in the urine. Therapy.External. A valued dusting powder for intertrigo, erysipelas and irritated skin, and as starch-water... / ...Diluted starch paste may be used as a lenitive after other forms of irritant poisoning, and as a mucilage for the administration of medicines. 2
Rose Water. Stronger Rose Water mixed with an equal part of distilled water, immediately before dispensing. Description.A clear aqueous... / ...It is colorless and should have only the odor and taste of fresh rose petals.] Action and Therapy.External. A cooling, non-irritating and slightly astringent collyrium. As a perfume preparation it i... / ...of Rose Water and Glycerin is a favorite perfumed lotion for chapped hands, lips, and face. 2
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ..., coma, and death. Death is said to have been caused by two ounces of tincture of arnica. Therapy.External. Arnica, in tincture or fomentation, has long been a popular but by no means safe discutien...2
The root of Asclepias syriaca (Asclepias Cornuti, in the original), Decaisne (Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceae). Common in rich soils throughout the... / ...ture of Asclepias Cornuti (8 ounces; Alcohol, 16 ounces). Dose, 5 to 60 drops. Action and Therapy.External. It is a common practice among the laity to remove warts by the application of the fresh, m... / ...worms. The drug deserves study. The young shoots or turiones are a favorite pot-herb or greens in some sections of our country. 2
A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe... / ...espiratory mucosa, skin, and kidneys, upon which it probably exerts an antiseptic effect. Therapy.External. Balsam of Peru is a good parasiticide and has given the best of satisfaction in scabies an... / ...balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.2
The recent root and leaves of Baptisia tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North... / ...t in toxic doses it paralyzes the respiratory center, thus causing death by asphyxiation. Therapy.External. Locally the decoction and the specific medicine baptisia (diluted with water) are effectiv... / ...healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as applied locally.2
The (1) dried root and the (2) dried leaves and tops of Atropa Belladonna, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe and Central Asia; also... / ...atic. Action.The action of Belladonna depends largely upon its chief alkaloid Atropine. Therapy.External. Belladonna, and more rarely atropine, may be applied for the relief of pain and spasm, and...2
The root of Berberis aquifolium, Pursh (Nat. Ord. Berberidaceae). Western United States from Colorado to the Pacific coast; cultivated also for... / ...ies of the consumptive, and in chronic skin diseases its internal use has hastened the effects from external medication. Eczema, psoriasis (temporarily at least), and herpetic eruptions have disappear...2
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...unce; Specific Medicine Calendula, 1 drachm. Mix). Freely as a dusting powder. Action and Therapy.External. Calendula is believed to stimulate vaso-motor contraction and selectively to influence the... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.2
Physician's Materia Medica on External
Analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic; a powerful depressant to the spinal nerve centers. Used especially in neuralgic and rheumatic affections to control pain. in migraine, in febrile conditions accom panied with pain. in delirium tremens, in insomnia and as a remedy for obstinate vomiting. Externally it is useful as a surgical dress ing, resembling iodoform in its action. Incompatible with bromides and iodides and with spirit of nitrous ether. It is advantageously combined with Caffeine which dim3
Counter-irritant, antispasmodic; used internally in persistent hicoough; externally employed in rheumatism, acute laryngitis and in infantile bronchitis (mixed with olive oil 1:3).3
The flowers, also the root of ARNICA MONTANA, Lin. The flowers are stimulant, irritant and vulnerary; used almost exclusively in form of tincture externally applied for sprains, bruises, etc. The root is used internally as a stimulant to the arterial and nervous systems, prescribed especially in typhoid conditions.3
The leaves, also the root of ATROPA BELLADONNA, Lin. My driatic, a deliriant narcotic, analgesic, antispasmodic. Suppresses secretion of skin and mucous membranes; antagonistic to Morphine. Externally applied to relieve pain, to restrain secretion of milk and for its effect on the eye. Internally used in night sweats and incon tinence of urine, in febrile conditions, as an adjuvant with laxatives, etc. Dose, 0.03 to 0.13 Grm. (% to 2 grs. )or more. [The derivative alkaloids of Belladonnl-1, Atro3
Balsamic resin from STYRAX BENZOIN, Dryander. Stimulant and expectorant, antiseptic, vulnerary. Used in chronic bronchitis and in catarrhal affections of the bowels. Externally applied for its healing effect on wounds, ulcers, etc.3
The insect CANTHARIS VESICATORIA, DeGeer. Internally irri tant and stimulant to urinary organs, aphrodisiac. alterative. In over doses distressingly poisonous. Externally irritant, epispastic.3
The fruit of CAPSICU M FASTIGIATU M, Blume. Internally a powerful stimulant and revulsive; externally rubefacient and counter-irritant. Prescribed in delirium tremens, in dyspepsia, in bowel complaints and frequently in combination with cathartics as a car minative. Dose, 0.06 to 1.0 Grm. (1 to 15 grs.) or more.3
The seed of ASAGRAEA OFFICINALIS, (C. & S.) Lindl. Emeto. cathartic, cardiac sedative, but chiefly used externally as a parasiticide. Active principle Veratrine, q. v.3
The oil obtained from the seeds of CROTON TIGLIUM, Lin. An energetic cathartic, remarkable for the rapidity of its operation hence used whereaprompt effect is imperative. Externally u-el as a counter-irritant, causing pustulation. Dose, 0.006 to .012 c. c. (1-10 to 2 M. Excessive doses may produce serious and even iat.-i effects.3
The flowers (corollas) of SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS, Lin. Stimulant diaphoretic, diuretic, refrigerant. Externally applied in fomenta tions and poultices in glandular engorgements, erysipelas, etc,3
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on External
In simple Goitre (Bronchocele), ointment of mercuric iodide or tincture iodine externally; creosotide or potassium iodide and extract of thymus gland internally. In Exophthalmic Goitre, belladonna, strophanthus. ergot and sparteine are among the remedies that have been found serviceable. Extract of suprarenal capsules promises good results.3
Some physicians prescribe as a specific remedy sodium salicylate (2 gr. doses every hour),... / ...nts. potassium citrate with spirit nitrous ether, vichy water or Ze-an, N., B. & Co., with potassium acetate. For the sore throat, cold applica tions externally; gargles of Alkal-Antiseptine, N., B. & Co., or car bolic acid and borax; vapors charged with eucalyptol. For the itch ing, local applicati...3
A good routine treatment is; a mercurial followed by a Seidlitz powder,... / ...with aconite to control fever, application to the tonsils of tincture ferric chloride containing quinine sulphate (4 grs. to the drachm) or guaiacol; externally, hot fomentations (the hop poultice is eflicient) or Glyceroplasma. Phenol Camphor may be used external ly with advantage in some cases. In...3
Medication except to meet special indications is probably useless, although the Woodbridge treatment has its advocates. Antipyre tics are not to be used. A milk or... / ...will govern choice of remedies for constipation. In later stages, oil of turpentine becomes the most important remedy, to be used both internally and externally.3
References
2) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
3) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.