Heart attack and cardiac arrest are different emergencies needing different responses

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are often treated as the same thing, but they have different causes and call for different first responses, according to a health explainer published by Mindanao Times.

The article notes that heart disease is among the leading causes of death in the Philippines, so recognising which emergency is unfolding can help bystanders act quickly.

A heart attack occurs when an artery feeding the heart becomes blocked or narrowed, often by a buildup of fat and cholesterol known as plaque. The heart muscle served by that artery starts to die, and damage grows the longer the blockage continues. Warning signs may develop over minutes or hours, and sometimes days or weeks beforehand, the article said.

Cardiac arrest, by contrast, is sudden. A fault in the heart's electrical system causes a dangerous irregular rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, and the heart stops pumping blood effectively to 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, and there is often no warning.

The two are linked. A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, either during the attack or in recovery, though most heart attacks do not lead to it. Other causes of cardiac arrest include heart failure, a thickened heart muscle and existing rhythm problems.

For both emergencies, the first step is to call an ambulance immediately and give the exact location. If the person is conscious and showing symptoms, it is most likely a heart attack, and someone should stay with them until help arrives so they can be taken to hospital quickly.

If the person suddenly collapses and is not breathing normally, it is most likely cardiac arrest. The article advises starting CPR right away and asking someone to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is available in many malls and offices, then using it while continuing CPR until responders arrive. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation lowers the chance of survival.

The article recommends learning CPR through a certified course, such as those offered by the Philippine Red Cross. It also states that the information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice, and urges readers to consult a licensed medical practitioner.