Types of Maces

Overview

MACEs or Major Adverse Cardiac Events are defined as the composite of total death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, and hospitalization because of cardiac disease. On this website, we will be focusing on the cardiac events that result in the most deaths.

Diagram

Heart Failure

Heart Failure occurs when the cannot pump as well as it should. Blood can then back up and cause fluid buildup in the lungs and legs. Diastolic HF is when the heart has stiff and thick chambers, meaning that the heart cannot fill. Systolic HF is when there are stretched and thin chambers, meaning that the heart cannot pump.

Symptoms

swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat

Treatment

ACE inhibitors (relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure), diuretic, blood pressure support, etc

Brochure

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart stops beating suddenly. This lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs can cause a person to become unconscious. If treatment is not administered in time, the person can become disabled or even die. Cardiac Arrest is considered to be an "electrical" problem in the heart.

Symptoms

unconscious, palpitations, shortness of breath

Treatments

CPR, defibrillator, coronary catheterization, antiarrhythmic

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Without the blood flow, the tissue cannot receive oxygen and can die. A heart attack is considered a "circulation" problem of the heart.

Symptoms

pressure or tightness in the chest that may spread, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion

Treatments

defibrillation, coronary artery bypass survey, coronary stent, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, oxygen therapy

Stroke

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or bursts. Stroke can lead to disability and is, unfortunately, the fifth cause of death in the US.

Symptoms

trouble with walking and speaking and understanding, paralysis or numbness of the face arm or leg, speech difficulty

Treatments

ACE Inhibitor, carotid endarterectomy, speech therapy, antihypertensive drug