Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: What We Teach You to Do in the Critical First 5 Minutes
They are not the same. Knowing the difference determines whether you reach for the phone or the defibrillator.
People often use these terms interchangeably, but medically, they are very different events. In our First Aid classes at RupIELTS, we use a simple analogy to help students remember: One is a Plumbing problem, the other is an Electrical problem.
Type: Plumbing Problem 🪠
What is it? A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart muscle. The heart is still beating, but the muscle is dying.
Signs:
• Squeezing chest pain
• Nausea / Indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Patient is usually Conscious
Type: Electrical Problem ⚡
What is it? The heart's electrical system malfunctions. It stops beating effectively (or at all). It quivers (fibrillates).
Signs:
• Sudden collapse
• No Pulse
• No Breathing (or gasping)
• Patient is Unconscious
The Link Between Them
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. If the blockage is severe enough, the heart muscle gets confused and the electricity stops working. This is why acting fast during a heart attack is vital—you are trying to prevent the arrest.
The Action Plan (What You Will Learn)
If it's a Heart Attack (Conscious):
- Call 911.
- Keep them calm and seated (W position).
- Assist them with Aspirin (if not allergic).
If it's Cardiac Arrest (Unconscious):
- Call 911 immediately.
- Start CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
- Use an AED: An Automated External Defibrillator shocks the heart to reset the electricity.
In our Surrey classroom, you will practice these scenarios on high-tech mannequins until you are confident you can save a life.
Learn More at RupIELTS Surrey
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