MANY OF us use “heart attack” and “cardiac arrest” as if they mean the same thing. They do not. Both are heart emergencies, but they have different causes and call for different responses.
With heart disease among the leading causes of death in the Philippines, knowing the difference can help you act quickly when someone collapses.
A heart attack is a circulation problem
A heart attack happens when an artery supplying the heart becomes blocked or narrowed, often by a buildup of fat and cholesterol called plaque. The affected heart muscle begins to die, and the longer the blockage lasts, the greater the damage.
Warning signs may build over minutes or hours, sometimes even days or weeks earlier. Watch for:
- Chest pain
- Pain or intense discomfort around the upper body, back or jaw
- Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or indigestion
- Cold sweats, palpitations, giddiness, or feeling weak
The person is usually still conscious.
Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem
Cardiac arrest is sudden. The heart’s electrical system misfires and produces a dangerous irregular rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation. The heart stops pumping effectively, and blood no longer reaches the brain, lungs, and other organs.
Within seconds, the person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing normally or gasps for air. Some may jerk as if having a seizure. There is often no warning at all.
How the two are linked
A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, during the attack or in recovery. Most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest, but a heart attack is a common cause of it. Other causes include heart failure, thickened heart muscle, and existing rhythm problems.
What to do when every minute counts
For both conditions, the first step is the same: call for an ambulance immediately and give your exact location.
If the person is conscious with symptoms, it is most likely a heart attack. Stay with them until help arrives, as they need hospital treatment as soon as possible.
If the person suddenly collapses and is not breathing normally, it is most likely cardiac arrest. Start CPR right away. Ask someone to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), found in many malls and offices, and use it while continuing CPR until help arrives.
Every minute without CPR or defibrillation lowers the chance of survival, which is why bystanders matter so much.
Know the signs and act fast
Learning CPR through a certified course, such as those offered by the Philippine Red Cross, is one of the most useful skills you can bring to your family.
Remember: fast action saves lives.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general education and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual symptoms and medical conditions may vary. Please consult a licensed medical practitioner for appropriate assessment.
For more information about Dr Joshua Loh and his medical practice, visit CapitalHeart.sg or contact Beyond Medical Assistance (Philippines) via WhatsApp at (63) 956 0655 717
