Sudden Cardiac Arrest or Heart Attack; Know the Signs and Save Lives

What is the difference between the two?

Reduced blood to the heart causes a heart attack; think of it as a block in the “pipes” around the heart. Around 750,000 people in the U.S. have heart attacks yearly, and 116,000 die. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort, cold sweats, difficulty breathing, pounding or irregular heartbeat, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, pain in the back arm or jaw, and dizziness, can save lives. Call 911 instead of driving them to a hospital; SECONDS STILL COUNT.

While heart attacks are a problem with the blood supply or the "pipes" to the heart, they have early warning signs. On the other hand, sudden cardiac arrest is a problem with the "electrical" system. Usually, it strikes without warning, causing someone to collapse or become unresponsive due to blood not being pumped into the body. Although sudden cardiac arrest claims one life every 90 seconds, only 46% of people get the immediate help needed before professional service arrives. Survival rates could double or triple if bystanders act by performing CPR and learning how to use an AED.

If someone unexpectedly collapses, follow these steps to perform hands-only CPR:

1. Check for responsiveness

• Shake the person and shouting “are you alright?” Rub the breastbone with your knuckles looking for signs of life.

2. Call 911

• Or direct someone to make the call if the person is unresponsive and struggling to breathe, gasping, snoring or not breathing at all.

3. Compress

• Begin hands only CPR
• Position the person on the floor face up.
• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples) and the heel of the other hand on top of the first.
• Lock your elbows, move your shoulders over the center of the chest, and use the weight of your upper body to “fall” straight downward, compressing the chest at least two inches.
• Lift your hands slightly each time to allow the chest wall to recoil.
• Compress chest at a rate of 100 per minute. When you tire, take turns with others until paramedics arrive.
• If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, turn it on and follow the AED’s voice instructions.
• IMPORTANT: Initiate and continue chest compressions even if the person gasps. Noisy breathing or gasping is not a sign of recovery. It is a sign you are doing a good job.

70% of sudden cardiac arrests occur in a home, learning how to act in the event of cardiac arrest can save someone you love. QUICK ACTION SAVES LIVES

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