
A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Cardiologist Appointment
May 25, 2022
March 4, 2025
Every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from cardiac arrest, with survival often depending on how quickly CPR is administered. Studies show that bystander CPR can double or even triple survival rates, yet many hesitate due to a lack of knowledge or confidence.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving method to maintain the flow of oxygen to the brain and the heart if a person's heart stops or takes a very slow breath. Through an act of heaven, a disastrous situation for a heart attack, drowning, or any medical emergency, the right CPR will mean the difference between life and death.
In this guide, you’ll learn what CPR is, the different types, when to use it, and the step-by-step process to ensure you're prepared in an emergency
CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person’s heart stops beating. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
The brain can only survive 4-6 minutes without oxygen before permanent damage begins. That’s why immediate CPR is crucial.
The goal of CPR is to:
CPR isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Different situations require different approaches:
When to use: If you witness someone collapse and are untrained in CPR, hands-on CPR is the best approach.
When to use: If a person isn’t breathing normally and you’re trained in CPR, use this method.
Key tip: Neonates have delicate ribs—compress only 1.5 inches deep to avoid injury.
Similar to adult CPR but with modifications to ensure both the mother and baby receive enough oxygen.
If performing compressions, slightly tilt the woman onto her left side to reduce pressure on major blood vessels.
Did you know? Pregnant women experiencing cardiac arrest may require emergency C-sections within 5 minutes to save the baby.
Cardiac arrest occurs when something prevents blood from flowing to the heart, sometimes due to coronary artery disease (CAD), which results in oxygen deprivation by lack of blood flow unless treated.
Common Contributors Include:
A weighty prevention: one stands in with a healthy diet, exercise, and never smoking to decrease the chances of a cardiac arrest by 80%!
How do you know if someone is having a heart attack? Watch for these warning signs:
Act fast: If you see these symptoms, call emergency services immediately and be prepared to start CPR if the person collapses.
Following are the steps to provide CPR:
Tip: If a person is gasping for air but not breathing normally, it’s still considered cardiac arrest—start CPR immediately.
To keep rhythm, mentally repeat the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—it’s the perfect CPR tempo!
If you're unsure, stick to hands-on CPR—it's still highly effective!
Don’t stop unless:
Tip: If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, use it! It delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
Many people ask, “What is the most important component of high-quality CPR?” The answer: Chest compressions!
Hands-only CPR is better than doing nothing—never hesitate to act!
If the person regains consciousness but is still weak:
This prevents choking on vomit and allows easier breathing while waiting for medical help.
While CPR is life-saving, it does come with some risks:
Key takeaway: CPR saves lives. Even if ribs break, survival matters more.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a vital skill we should all learn to save lives. CPR can be applied to infants, adults, or patients who are pregnant; knowing how to do it properly could make a world of difference. Stay vigilant, act quickly, and have no doubt—a fast response can save a life! Take the initiative and train today for emergencies.
For expert cardiac care and professional guidance on heart health, consult Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, a leading cardiologist specialising in heart disease prevention and emergency response. Don't wait until it's too late—schedule a consultation today to learn how to protect your heart and loved ones. Your heart matters!
In his patient-centred cardiology approach, Dr Sandhu addresses the fears and complexities of heart treatment, ensuring credibility in medical guidance and emotional well-being throughout the healing process.