Heart Attack Vs. Cardiac Arrest: Understanding The Difference

Heart Attack Vs. Cardiac Arrest: Understanding the Difference & Recognizing the Signs

When it comes to life-threatening heart emergencies, many people have been led to believe that heart attacks and cardiac arrest are the same thing —but they are not the same. Understanding these differences can save lives, especially since symptoms often vary between men and women. Here’s what you need to know to act effectively when seconds matter.

Heart Attack: "A Plumbing Problem"

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to plaque buildup in the arteries. The heart doesn’t stop beating during a heart attack, but parts of the heart muscle begin to die from lack of oxygen. Symptoms typically develop over hours or even days, offering warning signs.

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Key Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

Classic Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
  
• Pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.

Other Signs

• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Cardiac Arrest: An "Electrical Problem"

Cardiac arrest is sudden and dramatic, caused by the heart’s electrical system malfunctioning and leading the heart to stop beating altogether.

Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, death can occur within minutes. Unlike heart attacks, cardiac arrest often strikes without warning.

Key Differences:

A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but cardiac arrest can occur independently, often triggered by an electrical issue.

Why Women's Symptoms are Often Overlooked:

Heart attack symptoms in women often differ from the "classic" signs seen in men. Women may experience subtler, non-specific symptoms, making it harder to recognize a heart attack.

Symptoms Women Should Watch For:

• Unexplained, sudden fatigue
  
• Pain in the upper back, neck, or jaw
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Flu-like symptoms such as nausea or vomiting

These subtler symptoms are often mistaken for stress, indigestion, or exhaustion. Tragically, this delay in recognizing a heart attack can lead to fatal outcomes.

Referred Pain: Why It Radiates to Arms, Neck, or Jaw

The heart doesn’t have its own “pain nerves.” Instead, it shares nerve pathways with other areas, such as the jaw, neck, and arms. When the heart sends distress signals, your brain may misinterpret them, resulting in referred pain.

What to Do if You Suspect a Heart Attack:

• Call 911 Immediately: Delays can lead to greater heart damage.
  
• Rest and Stay Calm: Sit down to reduce the heart’s workload.
• Chew Aspirin (if advised): Aspirin thins the blood and improves flow to the heart.

When Cardiac Arrest Happens: Act Fast

• Call 911 Immediately.
  
• Start Hands-Only CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute. No breaths are necessary.
• Use an AED if Available: An Automated External Defibrillator can help restore a normal heart rhythm and improve survival chances.

Why In-Person Training is Essential

Recognizing the signs of heart emergencies is just the first step. Knowing how to act quickly is what saves lives. At BESTCPRUSA, we provide hands-on training to build both skills and confidence, empowering you to act in real-world scenarios. Our training includes recognizing gender-specific symptoms and mastering CPR, AED use, and first aid.

Be the Lifesaver Your Community Needs

At BESTCPRUSA, we offer in-person training for individuals and businesses alike! From community classes in our many classrooms to customized training for workplaces where we come to you. We’re here to empower everyone with the knowledge to save lives.

We are committed to empowering communities with life-saving skills.

We also teach classes in Spanish.

Empoderando a las comunidades con habilidades que salvan vidas. También ofrecemos clases en español.

Sign Up Today.

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