The media often reports that someone died of a heart attack, but a heart attack doesn’t always kill us. It’s actually cardiac arrest that is fatal if no one is there to administer CPR and get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
The simplest way to remember it is this: A heart attack is a plumbing problem; cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.
The Heart Attack: A Plumbing Problem
A person having a heart attack is usually still breathing and talking to you. What’s happening is a partial blockage in one of the tiny coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood. That lack of oxygen causes pain, pressure, or discomfort.
What to do: If someone is experiencing symptoms, make sure they are sitting or lying down. Tell them to breathe normally, call 911, and stay calm. Roughly 60% of people having a heart attack will survive with surgery or medications to prevent another one. CPR is definitely not needed unless they stop breathing.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Symptoms for men and women are often similar, but women can have particular signs that aren’t always present in men. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), look for:
- Chest discomfort: Feeling like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or go away and return.
- Upper body discomfort: Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: This can happen with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs: Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired, or lightheaded.
A Note for Women
Women may describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them. They may also have symptoms less commonly associated with heart attacks, such as:
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Pain in the shoulder or back
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
The Symptom Nobody Mentions: Denial
One major symptom is denial. People often think, “I’m too young” or “I’m in too good of shape for this to be happening.”They convince themselves it’s just heartburn, indigestion, or stress.
Symptoms can start and then disappear, only to come back later as a reminder to get checked out. These signs can persist for days, weeks, or even a month. In my time working as an Emergency Room Technician, I saw many people walk in with these symptoms. Some were having a heart attack; others were not. Never be embarrassed to go to the Emergency Department. Nobody will make fun of you if your symptoms aren’t heart-related—it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Cardiac Arrest: An Electrical Problem
On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when there is a complete blockage to a coronary artery. This causes the person to lose consciousness and stop breathing. They will have no pulse.
What to do: This person requires CPR and an AED immediately. Call 911. If you don’t know CPR, the dispatcher will give you instructions over the phone, but now is the time to prepare and get your AHA CPR certification.
- In Adults: Cardiac arrest occurs about 350,000 times a year in the United States.
- In Children: It is far less common (about 8,000 times a year). When infants and children stop breathing, it is usually due to a respiratory problem.
Empower Yourself
Knowing what to do in an emergency helps you stay focused and empowers you to save a life. Getting your CPR certification is the first step.
Also, remember a simple trick for yourself: Breathe in slowly through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Doing this throughout an emergency will help you stay much calmer.
We hope to see you for one of our CPR classes at Revive CPR in San Francisco. Your AHA CPR certification should be renewed every two years to refresh your skills and stay current with the latest guidelines.
Roy Gordon AHA CPR Instructor/EMT 415.637.7382
BLS classes San Francisco
BLS certification San Francisco
CPR classes in San Francisco
CPR certification
