When someone clutches their chest or suddenly collapses, you don’t have time to Google. Those seconds are everything. A heart attack and cardiac arrest may sound alike, but what you do first could be the line between life and loss. Knowing which is which helps you act quickly while you call SIEHS – 1122 for help.
Think of a heart attack as a traffic jam inside your heart’s arteries — blood can’t get through because a vessel is blocked. The heart still beats, but the muscle is starving for oxygen.
Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is like a sudden power outage. The heart’s electrical system shuts down, and the pumping stops in an instant. No blood to the brain, no breathing — just silence.A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, but many arrests happen without any blockage at all.
Heart attacks usually whisper before they shout.You might feel pressure or heaviness in the chest, sometimes creeping into the arm, jaw, or back. Breathlessness, clammy skin, or nausea are warning signs.
But here’s what many don’t know — especially for women, older adults, and people with diabetes in our region — the pain isn’t always dramatic. It can feel like heartburn, unusual tiredness, or a dull ache in the jaw or upper back. Quiet signals, but deadly if ignored.
Cardiac arrest doesn’t whisper — it drops you.The person suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, and isn’t breathing normally. Those early gasping sounds you might hear aren’t real breaths. That’s your cue to start CPR immediately.
If it’s a heart attack, stay calm and call for professional help right away.Help the person rest, loosen tight clothes, and note when the pain began.If a clinician or dispatcher advises, give a chewable aspirin — but not before.And please, don’t drive yourself to the hospital; ambulances begin treatment en route.
If it’s cardiac arrest — no response, no normal breathing — call 1122 and start CPR now.
At this year’s Health Asia Exhibition, hundreds of people learned this life-saving skill at the SIEHS Experience Zone. Hands on the chest, heel of the palm in the center, and push hard and fast — about 100–120 times a minute. Let the chest rise between pushes. Continue until help or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) arrives.
When you find an AED, switch it on, stick the pads where shown, and follow the voice. It won’t shock unless needed — you can’t hurt someone by using it.
“How can I tell the difference fast?”If the person is awake and breathing, think heart attack.If they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally, even if they gasp — treat it as cardiac arrest.
“Can heartburn be a heart attack?”Yes. Especially if it’s new, severe, or comes with breathlessness or sweating. Don’t wait it out — call for help.
“What if I hear a rib crack during CPR?”Keep going. A cracked rib heals. A stopped heart doesn’t.
“Is an AED safe for anyone to use?”Completely. It tells you what to do, and won’t shock unless it detects a shockable rhythm. Just make sure the chest is dry, remove any medication patch, and move slightly if there’s a pacemaker.
“Is aspirin always safe?”Not always. Some emergencies look like heart attacks but aren’t. Call first — if a clinician says yes, then one chewable aspirin is fine.
“What about kids or pregnancy?”Children rarely have heart attacks; their cardiac arrests often come from breathing issues. CPR principles stay the same. AEDs are safe during pregnancy — saving the mother saves the baby.
Heart care isn’t only about emergencies. It’s about small, daily choices: checking your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol. Taking prescribed medicines on time.If you smoke — set a quit date and tell someone who’ll hold you to it.
Walk briskly for even 20 minutes a day. Watch your salt, avoid fried or processed snacks, and be mindful of trans fats that hide in bakery items. If heart problems run in your family, talk to your doctor about early screening. And remember, for queries or advice, you can reach out to 1123 anytime.
Surviving a heart attack is only the first chapter. Cardiac rehabilitation helps rebuild strength and confidence, lowering the risk of another event. Ask your healthcare team about when you can resume work, fasting, or exercise. And for families — learn CPR together. The skill is simple, memorable, and could save someone you love.
In any emergency across Sindh, remember 1122 — the number that brings trained help to your door.Encourage your workplace, school, or neighborhood to host a basic CPR session or keep an AED nearby.Most cardiac arrests happen at home — meaning the life you save could be your parent, spouse, or child.
This isn’t just about medical terms.It’s about being ready.Because when the heart stops, what you do in the next 60 seconds decides everything.
Disclaimer:This article is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical care. In any emergency, call 1122 immediately. For advice or consultations, contact 1123.
