Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

5 Differences Between a Heart Attack and a Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack is not the same as a cardiac arrest.

A heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. The heart muscle is robbed of its vital blood supply and, if left untreated, will begin to die because it is not getting enough oxygen.

A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body, and they stop breathing normally.

Many cardiac arrests in adults happen because of a heart attack. This is because a person who is having a heart attack may develop a dangerous heart rhythm, which can cause cardiac arrest.

A heart attack and a cardiac arrest are both emergencies. Call 999 straight away.

Heart Attack Awareness

A heart attack is heart damage caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Another name for the condition is myocardial infarction. A heart attack is a medical emergency. First aid for a heart attack includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It can help save a person’s life.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you or someone else might be having a heart attack.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching.
Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly.
Cold sweats.
Fatigue.
Heartburn or indigestion.
Light-headedness or sudden dizziness.
Nausea.
Shortness of breath.

A heart attack usually causes chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes. The chest pain may be mild or severe. Some people don’t have any chest pain or pressure.

Symptoms may be less obvious in some people, especially for women. For example, heart attack symptoms may include nausea, or a brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm, or back.

Some heart attacks happen suddenly. But many people have warning signs hours or days in advance.

Treatment

Call 911 or your local emergency number. Don’t ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. If you can’t get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other option.
Take aspirin, if recommended. Aspirin helps prevent blood clotting. Taking aspirin during a heart attack may reduce heart damage. Don’t take an aspirin unless a healthcare professional says to do so. Don’t delay calling 911 to take an aspirin. Call for emergency help first.
Take nitroglycerine, if prescribed. If you think you’re having a heart attack and you have a prescription for this medicine, take it as directed while waiting for emergency medical help.
Start CPR if the person doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing. If you’re untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard and fast on the person’s chest. Do this about 100 to 120 times a minute. If you’re trained in CPR and confident in your ability, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available and the person is unconscious. The device delivers shocks to reset the heart rhythm. AEDs come with step-by-step voice instructions for their use. They’re programmed to allow a shock only when appropriate.

Prevention

Lifestyle changes can keep the heart healthy and may help prevent a heart attack:

Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
Get regular exercise.
Keep a healthy weight.
Eat nutritious foods and use less salt and saturated fats.
Limit alcohol.
Manage stress.
Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily.

Also, it’s a good idea to learn CPR and how to use an AED so you can help someone who’s having a heart attack. Ask your healthcare team if any accredited first-aid training courses are available in your area.

Live-in carer reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Lance Mason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had no idea that my Mum had only two weeks to live when Featherbed came to the rescue!  They provided us with the most wonderful carer, Lucy, who stayed with Mum for long periods of time and gave amazing support to us as family.  She went way "above and beyond" and became a loved member of the family.  I can thoroughly recommend Featherbed - they are a super team!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Winch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed provided live-in care for my mother for about 15 months before she needed to go into a nursing home. The one problem we had was addressed quickly and effectively, and with that one exception, the carers Featherbed provided were superb - very caring and helpful, totally honest and understanding. They all developed a really good bond with my mother, who also valued their care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lynne Griffiths 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been absolutely delighted with the kindness, professionalism and care shown towards our dad by his carer, Tendei Sithole, (and indeed by Immaculata and Emma-his relief carers who have also been excellent) Tendei has made it possible for him to enjoy his life again and if we could give her 6 stars we would. She has been simply a godsend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abbey Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can not recommend this company highly enough. Wonderful carers who have so much time, compassion, friendship and patience for my Mum. Featherbed is a company who never lets us down, and are always on hand. We'd be lost without you, thanks for all you do. X
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Isobel Wyatt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed provided waking nights care for my 99 year old father during the last few weeks of his life, which were very challenging. His carer, Julia, was fantastic and I can honestly say that we couldn't have coped without her. This wonderful care allowed my father to be able to stay in his own home which had always been his wish. Thank you so much Julia and Featherbed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Helen F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed have found us the most wonderful live-in carer for our 85 year old mum who has dementia. The relief carers are also excellent.
  
 
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   Sylvia Mupaya 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed homecare is an agency I could refer to both Client and Carers as it is well recognised for it's good services rendered.  They are there for both parties.  I can go on and on and on. It deserves over 5stars
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   M D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed have been absolutely amazing. They provided 24 hour care for my mom who is in her 90's for over a year in her own home. The care and efficiency was second to none. They were always there with advice and always there to listen. I think you'd be hard pushed to find an Agency as remarkable as Featherbed. Thanks to all the staff at Featherbed and Carers who 'Cared' for my mom. 💗
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josephine Payne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used them for many years and would not use anyone else .
  
 
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   Susan Reid 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed Homecare allowed my 90yr old  parents to live together in their home for over 2yrs. Splitting them up after 60yrs of happy marriage would have been unthinkable.  Despite initial reservations my parents quickly accepted live in care and much enjoyed having company in the house. Much credit is due to the carers who were all lovely and very caring . I have no hesitation in recommending Featherbed