What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
The difference can be confusing for people since the media often reports that someone has died of a heart attack. However, It is not the heart attack that kills us, but rather cardiac arrest if no one is there to save them with CPR, and an AED (Automed External Defibrillator).
A heart attack can be simplified as a plumbing problem, and cardiac arrest an electrical problem.
A person having a heart attack is breathing and talking to you. There is a partial blockage to one of the tiny coronary arteries which supply the heart with oxygenated blood. This lack of oxygen to the heart causes pain, and or discomfort. If someone is experiencing any of the symptoms below below make sure they are sitting or lying down, tell them to breathe normally, and call 911. It is important for you to stay calm, as well.
60% of all people having a heart attack will survie either with surgery, or just medications to prevent another one from happening. CPR is definitely not needed unless they stop breathing. Heart attack symptoms for men and women are very similar, however, women can have particular symptoms that are not always present with men.
The American heart Association list the following symptoms for a heart attack:
- Chest discomfort. Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the:
- Arms (one or both)
- Back
- Neck
- Jaw
- Stomach
- Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs. Other possible signs include:
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling unusually tired
- Feeling lightheaded
Women may suffer any of the above symptoms, but the American Heart Association emphasizes here that…
“Some women having a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them. Women may have other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as:
- Anxiety
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
- Pain in the shoulder, back or arm
- Unusual tiredness and weakness”. -American heart Association.
Another heart attack symptom that is not listed above, and seldom mentioned is Denial. People often think that they couldn’t be suffering from a heart attack, as they are too young, and in too good shape, etc. So this must be something else like heartburn or indigestion. This couldn’t be happening to me, or I am just a little stressed out right now .The symptoms most likely will start, and then disappear shortly but they will come back reminding you to go to a hospital to get checked out.
The symptoms can persist for several days, weeks, or perhaps even a month. Working as an emergency room technician many people would walk in complaining of symptoms of heart attack. Some of them were experiencing a heart attack, but others left with no medical findings of a heart attack. Never be embarrassed to go to the emergency department if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. You will not be made fun if your symptoms are not related to your heat, but better safe than sorry.
On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when there is a complete blockage to a coronary artery. This causes loss of consciousness and for a person to stop breathing, and they will have no pulse. This person requires CPR and an AED immediately. Call 911 if you do not know CPR they will give you instructions on the phone, but now is the time to prepare and get CPR/AED certified.
Cardiac arrest occurs 350,000 times a year in the United States with adults. It is far less common with children and infants, and only occurs about 8000 times a year.
Knowing what to do in an emergency Will, not only help you save your loved ones, or friends, but it will keep you from panicking.
Panic sets in when we don’t know what to do in an emergency. Also, important is to remember to take a deep breath yourself through your nose and exhale. Keep doing that throughout the emergency to stay calmer.
We hope to see you for one of our CPR classes at Revive CPR in San Francisco. Your American Heart Association CPR certification should be renewed every two years to refresh your skills and to stay current with changing AHA guidelines.
Roy Gordon
AHA CPR Instructor/ EMT
