The heart suddenly stops beating.
Cardiac arrest happens suddenly. There are usually no warning signs.
Sudden collapse
Unresponsive to touch or sound
Not breathing or is making gasping sounds
Do you have a couple of minutes? That's enough to learn the basics of CPR and how to use an AED. Watch our short videos below.
Cardiac arrest can occur:
- at any age
- at any time
- to people of all fitness levels
- without warning.
Most cardiac arrests are caused by arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that may not be diagnosed ahead of time. Other causes include:
Electrocution, drowning, choking, trauma, respiratory distress
Recreational drug use
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same thing, although people often confuse the terms. Both are medical emergencies.
|
Cardiac arrest |
Heart attack |
|---|---|
|
The heart has stopped pumping |
The heart is not getting enough blood so it starts to die |
|
Caused by an abnormal heart rhythm |
Caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart |
|
The heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body |
The heart continues to pump blood |
|
It is a medical emergency |
It is a medical emergency |
|
Death occurs in minutes without immediate action. |
Damage to the heart increases with every minute of treatment delay. |
|
Cardiac arrest |
Heart attack |
|---|---|
|
Sudden collapse |
Person is generally conscious. |
|
Unresponsive to touch or sound |
Signs include: |
|
Not breathing or making gasping sounds. |
|
Cardiac arrest |
Heart attack |
|---|---|
|
Call 9-1-1 and shout for a defibrillator |
Call 9-1-1 |
|
Start CPR |
Stop all activity. Sit or lie down |
|
Use a defibrillator as soon as it arrives |
Take your nitroglycerin |
|
Don't hesitate. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. |
Chew ASA (Aspirin) (one 325 mg or two 81 mg tablets). |
|
Rest and wait. |
A heart attack can turn into cardiac arrest if it is severe enough
