Overview
A cardiac arrest occurs from one moment to the next. A person becomes unconscious and no longer breathes normally. This is a life-threatening situation. In the event of a cardiac arrest, someone must be resuscitated immediately. The cause of cardiac arrest is often a myocardial infarction. A cardiac arrest can also be caused by other heart problems.
Examine
If someone has survived a cardiac arrest, an investigation is done into the cause of the cardiac arrest. This is done with a cardiac catheterization and /or an electrophysiological examination (EFO).
Cardiac catheterization
In a cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist examines the coronary arteries of the heart.
Through a tube in the artery, the cardiologist slides up a catheter. Through the special catheter, the doctor injects a small amount of contrast fluid into the coronary arteries. On the X-ray screen, the cardiologist can then see how the coronary arteries run, where they are narrowed and how severe those narrowed blood vessels are. The cardiologist can use a cardiac catheterization as an examination but also as a treatment, such as a ‘dotter treatment.’ During cardiac catheterization, multiple examinations are sometimes done, such as an ‘ultrasound examination coronary artery (IVUS) or ‘measuring the (blood) pressure in the coronary arteries (Fractional Flow Reserve, FFR)’
There may be a number of reasons why you are receiving a cardiac catheterization, for example:
- you have chest pain (Angina Pectoris);
- there is a problem with your heart valve;
- you have had a heart attack; you have cardiac arrhythmias.
- The cardiologist then wants to know exactly what your coronary arteries or your large body artery look like. You can read more about this research here.
Treatments
As a result of these examinations, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be chosen.
Outpatient clinics and departments
Cardiology
Cardiologists specialize in recognizing and treating conditions of the heart and large blood vessels.
Occupational therapy
You can go to the occupational therapist if you have difficulty performing your daily activities due to a condition, accident or surgery.
Intensive Care (ICU)
The Intensive Care Unit has specially trained staff and special medical equipment to treat very seriously ill patients.
