Heart-related emergencies can be confusing and frightening, with symptoms that often mimic a heart attack. Recognising the signs and understanding the differences between cardiac events can save lives.
Common Heart Issues and Symptoms
Angina
Symptoms: Vice-like chest pain, pain radiating to the left arm, shortness of breath, weakness, and anxiety.
Caused by narrowed arteries, angina is not a heart attack but requires medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Cardiac Arrest
Symptoms: Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, abnormal or no breathing.
Cardiac arrest it a sudden loss of heart function. It demands immediate action—CPR, defibrillation, and calling emergency services.
Heart Attack
Symptoms: Severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, breathlessness, sweating, weak pulse, ashen skin, cyanosis, and an overwhelming fear of dying.
A blocked artery stops blood flow to the heart. It’s vital to call 999, assist with positioning the person comfortably, and be prepared to administer CPR or use an AED.
Heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack
Cardiac Arrest: An electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop suddenly. Symptoms are immediate and severe.
Heart Attack: A blocked artery restricts blood flow to the heart. Symptoms may develop gradually or intensify over time.
Both conditions are life-threatening emergencies. Call 999, start CPR, and use an AED if available.
Not all chest pain signals a heart attack. Conditions like angina or even panic attacks can mimic similar symptoms. However, any worsening or persistent pain should always be medically assessed.
How to Help
Call 999 immediately if you suspect a cardiac emergency.
Perform CPR and use an AED if trained to do so.
Offer aspirin (300mg) for a suspected heart attack, unless the person is allergic or otherwise advised by a medical professional.
Training Matters
Knowing how to respond during a cardiac emergency can save lives. Our accredited centres can access first aid course materials to equip their teams with the skills needed to act confidently in critical situations. Contact Advantage Accreditation today to prepare for the unexpected.
Click to find out more about angina, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.