Both heart attack and cardiac arrest are serious heart conditions that require immediate medical care. However, they are distinctly different conditions, with unique symptoms and methods of intervention.
Heart Attack:
A heart attack is a result of one or more blocked arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart muscle. The heart can continue to beat, but less effectively.
Indications of a Heart Attack
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- Intense chest pain
- Sensation of crushing pressure on the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Symptoms may occur immediately or may build over minutes to hours
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Bystander Response to Heart Attack
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- Call 9-1-1
- Administer Nitroglycerin, if patient has a prescription
- Keep the victim calm
- CPR is only needed if victim goes into cardiac arrest
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Cardiac Arrest:
In contrast, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in the heart that causes it to stop beating altogether.
Indications of Cardiac Arrest
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- Victim is unresponsive
- No breathing or gasps only
- Symptoms occur immediately
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Bystander Response to Cardiac Arrest
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- Call 9-1-1
- Begin CPR
- Utilize an AED, if available
- Continue CPR until emergency personnel arrive
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