If you're wondering how to respond in a heart emergency, it’s critical to understand the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct medical events, and understanding their differences can save a life.

As one of the leading CPR and First Aid training providers in the Portland Metro Area, we’re here to help break down the key differences, signs, and what action you should take in both situations.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a clot. This is a circulation issue, and it can damage the heart muscle if left untreated. The person is often awake and responsive during a heart attack.

Some signs you will notice in someone who is having a Heart Attack are chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the jaw, back, or arms, nausea, cold sweat, or lightheadedness.

These signs are severe, and you need to take action immediately. Call 911 and try to keep the person calm. If they have been prescribed heart medication (such as nitroglycerin), help them take it. Wait for EMS to arrive and do not drive them unless there is no other option. 

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function. It’s an electrical problem — the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, and the person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing or gasping. Without CPR or defibrillation, cardiac arrest is fatal within minutes. 

Someone experiencing Cardiac Arrest may show signs including sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, abnormal gasping, and unresponsiveness to voice or touch. When these signs are present, immediately check the scene for safety, look for breathing and a pulse, call 911, have someone retrieve an AED or First Aid Kit, and begin High-Quality CPR. 

What is an AED, and why is it so important? An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. AEDs work to jumpstart the heart and reset it to its normal rhythm. According to the National Institutes of Health, survival rates increase to 67% when a bystander uses an AED immediately, compared to 43% when waiting for EMS to deliver a shock (NIH, 2018). Promptly taking action can increase the survival rate of those experiencing cardiac arrest. 

Why CPR Training Is So Important

In Oregon, thousands of people suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. Unfortunately, only a tiny percentage receive CPR from a bystander. That’s why we’re on a mission to train as many people as possible across the Portland Metro Area — including Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Gresham, Tigard, and beyond.

By learning CPR, AED use, and First Aid, you can be the difference between life and death while waiting for emergency responders.

Full Code CPR offers CPR, AED, and First Aid certification courses for all organizations. We offer on-site CPR training in Portland and its surrounding areas, or you can attend a class at our headquarters in Wilsonville, Oregon. 

Be Ready to Save a Life

When seconds matter, CPR saves lives. Understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack is the first step. Getting trained is next.

Book a CPR class with us today! 

Sources:

National Institutes of Health. Bystanders Save Lives Using Defibrillator for Cardiac Arrest. NIH Research Matters, February 5, 2018. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bystanders-save-lives-using-defibrillator-cardiac-arrest