Is it Cardiac Arrest or a Heart Attack?

What is a Heart Attack?

Often confused with cardiac arrest, a heart attack is primarily a “plumbing” issue within the heart. It occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked, typically due to a clogged artery. Symptoms can appear days, weeks, or minutes before an event and might include chest pain, shortness of breath, or other warning signs. During a heart attack, the heart usually continues to beat, and the person may remain conscious.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Contrasting sharply with a heart attack, cardiac arrest is an “electrical” issue where the heart’s electrical activity becomes chaotic, causing it to stop pumping blood effectively—this is known as ventricular fibrillation. Approximately 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with nearly 90% proving fatal Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Cardiac arrest leads to the sudden collapse of the patient, who will not be breathing and requires immediate intervention. This condition is lethal within minutes if not promptly and properly addressed.

The Connection Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

While heart attacks and cardiac arrests are different conditions, they are closely linked. A heart attack is a common trigger for cardiac arrest, though most heart attacks don’t lead to cardiac arrest immediately. When cardiac arrest does occur suddenly without existing heart conditions, it’s often caused by a heart attack that has altered the heart’s electrical signals.

Warning Signs: Recognizing the Symptoms

Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

Many people who experience cardiac arrest show warning symptoms within the hour before the event, and some symptoms may appear weeks beforehand NHLBI. However, cardiac arrest often strikes without warning. Key warning signs include: Sudden loss of consciousness or fainting No pulse or very weak pulse Absence of normal breathing (may have gasping or no breathing at all) Chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat) Dizziness or lightheadedness Research shows that warning symptoms differ between men and women. Among men, chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating are significantly associated with sudden cardiac arrest, while among women, primarily shortness of breath is associated with cardiac arrest PubMed Central.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart attack symptoms may include: Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain Pain radiating to arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach Shortness of breath Cold sweats Nausea or vomiting Unusual fatigue (more common in women) Women are more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms like unusual tiredness, nausea, or back pain without significant chest discomfort.

The Importance of Immediate Response

The Critical Seconds

In events of cardiac arrest, every second counts. The survival chances decrease by 10% with each minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. However, when CPR is performed and an AED is used within the first 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival chances can increase dramatically to 60-70% Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Beyond 10 minutes without oxygen, brain damage or death becomes highly likely.

The Chain of Survival

People who receive medical care for warning signs are five times more likely to survive cardiac arrest NHLBI. The chain of survival includes: Early recognition and calling 911 Immediate bystander CPR Rapid defibrillation with an AED Advanced life support from emergency medical services Post-cardiac arrest care

Role of CPR

CPR, especially if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival American Heart Association. It helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain until normal heart function can be restored. It involves rhythmic pressing on the chest to mechanically circulate blood to organs, buying precious time until more advanced care (like defibrillation) becomes available. In 2024, bystander CPR was initiated in approximately 42% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, showing that there’s still significant room for improvement in public preparedness. Learn more about getting CPR certified to be ready when seconds count.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): A Lifeline

How Does an AED Work?

AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, portable devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary. Approximately 50% of sudden cardiac arrest cases are in a shockable rhythm when an AED is first applied. These devices will only administer a shock if it’s necessary; otherwise, they instruct the rescuer to continue CPR.

The Need for an Electrical Shock

When an AED determines that a shock is required, it delivers an electric pulse through the chest. The pulse stops the heart’s erratic quiver and allows the heart’s natural pacemaker to reestablish a normal rhythm. It’s not uncommon for a patient to need multiple shocks. While CPR maintains blood flow, only an AED can restart the heart from ventricular fibrillation.

AED Placement and Accessibility

In areas with readily available AEDs and trained bystanders, survival rates can reach up to 70% Northside Hospital. Strategic AED placement in public spaces, workplaces, schools, and homes can dramatically improve survival outcomes. Consider where AEDs should be located to ensure access within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac emergency.

Statistics That Highlight the Need for Preparedness

The numbers paint a sobering picture but also show the life-saving impact of proper intervention: Over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. annually Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation The national survival rate is less than 10%, and this rate has remained stagnant for three decades Northside Hospital Among young athletes aged 11-27, survival rate was 48% overall, but increased to 83% when a certified athletic trainer was present and 89% when an on-site AED was available Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Most cardiac arrests (approximately 70%) occur at home or in residential settings About 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in workplaces each year These statistics underscore the critical need for widespread CPR and AED training and accessible emergency equipment.

Empowering the Public Through Education

Understanding the differences between heart attacks and cardiac arrest and correctly using CPR and AEDs can make the difference between life and death. At AED Brands, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to act confidently and effectively in these critical situations. Whether you’re looking to purchase an AED for your facility, need AED accessories and replacement parts, or want to explore our comprehensive AED program management solutions, we’re here to help. By fostering widespread CPR and AED training, we can improve survival rates and outcomes for those experiencing these severe cardiac events. Don’t wait for an emergency to take action. Explore our educational resources and take the first step toward being prepared to save a life.