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Friend of your heart

The thought of a cardiac arrest triggers fear in anybody. There are multiple treatments of a cardiac arrhythmia. Heart defibrillation is one of them.

With the help of a device called defibrillator, the critical area of the heart can be depolarized and the condition can be corrected. There are many varieties of heart defibrillators to be found in the market today. Some of them are external, while others are transvenous or implanted. Automated external devices are popular and can be used by any person who knows how to operate the machine. There no need to be a practices medical professional to use an AED.

The method of defibrillation was first implemented in the 19th century when it was seen that small quantities of electrical shock can bring about ventricular fibrillation. Over the years, the techniques of administering an electrical discharge have been improved.

Different types of defibrillators

The manual external defibrillators can be used to treat a cardiac arrest. Only people with adequate medical expertise can use these devices. Hence they are used in hospitals and ambulances.

Defibrillators are also often used during open heart surgeries. They are used in the operation theatres and the electrical current is passed through the internal pads that in direct contact with the heart.

AEDs can be used at homes. They can be applied externally and the automatic machines issue a set of instructions to the user. If the machine detects that the patient is in a rhythmic shock, it delivers the electric discharge required to revive the patient. This device is regarded as safe and convenient as it only administers the electric therapy after detecting the condition of the patient. It is recommended that AEDs be brightly colored to distinguish them as life-saving devices.

There are other cardiac devices like the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. It is similar to a pacemaker. Wearable defibrillators are also available. The latter can be worn like a vest and delivers a biphasic shock as and when required.

Using defibrillators

Cardiac life-saving devices have to be used carefully. However, the instructions on the devices enable the user to utilize them successfully. It is also highly advised not to touch the patient after the device is attached. It can hamper the readings or even subject the user to an unwanted electrical shock.

Such a device should always be kept in homes of cardiac patients. One may never know when it will be required. After all it is better to be safe than sorry.

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