Recently, a 28-year-old woman in Hunan province suffered from acute myocarditis and sudden cardiac arrest, her life in danger, but she nearly lost her life due to the long acrylic nails on her ten fingers hindering the rescue efforts.
According to reports from various mainland Chinese media, on February 5th, a woman named Li Li (alias) went to a local hospital due to symptoms such as chest tightness, weakness, and dizziness. Following examinations, she was suspected to have a heart attack and was urgently transferred to the Emergency Department ICU of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital.
After being admitted to the emergency room, Li Li’s condition deteriorated rapidly with impaired consciousness, weak breathing, and frequent ventricular fibrillation. She was diagnosed with acute myocarditis, cardiogenic shock, and sudden cardiac arrest, with her life signs in critical condition.
The hospital immediately performed endotracheal intubation on Li Li and initiated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy to sustain her vital signs. However, during a crucial phase of the rescue operation, medical staff found that the pulse oximeter could not accurately monitor Li Li’s blood oxygen levels. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the thick layers of nail polish and extended nail tips from Li Li’s long acrylic nails were obstructing the pulse oximeter’s light penetration, rendering the equipment ineffective.
Attempts to remove the nails were unsuccessful due to the unique materials of the acrylic. The hospital urgently contacted a professional nail technician to bring the necessary tools to the scene. Only after the nails were successfully removed, and the blood oxygen indicators were adjusted, Li Li ultimately survived the ordeal.
Doctors caution that elaborate nail art not only obstructs medical procedures like pulse oximetry but also poses risks to nail health, as the manicuring process may damage the nail’s protective layer, leading to skin infections and potential health hazards.
Internet users expressed their views, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over beauty rituals like nail art. Comments such as “After being discharged, let’s not prioritize nail art, after all, nothing is more important than life.” “I felt suffocated from my nails after getting a manicure, just like not being able to breathe.” “During a minor surgery I had, I had long nails, and the doctor warned he would directly pull them off if needed to save my life.” “Many girls do nail art, it should be taken seriously.”