Your Quick Guide to Cardiac Emergencies: Signs, Response & Prevention
Know about cardiac emergencies, what they are, signs, response, prevention, step-by-step, knowing risk factors, signs, symptoms and prevention.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 12th Sep, 2025
Introduction
Your heart is the relentless engine that powers your entire body. But what happens when that engine sputters or fails? Cardiac emergencies are sudden, often terrifying events that strike without warning, and knowing how to navigate them can mean the difference between life and death. Every second counts, and hesitation can have irreversible consequences. This guide is designed to demystify cardiac emergencies, equipping you with the knowledge to recognise critical warning signs, take decisive action, and potentially save a life, maybe even your own.
Understanding the Different Types of Cardiac Emergencies
Not all cardiac emergencies are the same. Understanding the differences is crucial for providing the correct response. Essentially, a heart attack is a circulation problem, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing tissue to begin dying. Think of it as a plumbing issue. The key here is that the person is often still conscious and breathing. Recognising silent heart attack symptoms is vital, as they can be mistaken for indigestion or fatigue.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
This is more severe and immediately life-threatening. Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing it to beat irregularly (arrhythmia) and stop pumping blood effectively to the brain and body. The person will collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing normally. Death can occur within minutes without treatment.
Stroke (A Brain Attack)
While not a cardiac event per se, a stroke is a related medical emergency often grouped with heart issues due to similar risk factors. It occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Remember the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.
Other Critical Conditions
- Angina and Aortic Dissection
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It's a warning sign of heart disease and can be stable (predictable) or unstable (unpredictable and a precursor to a heart attack).
- Aortic Dissection: A rare but catastrophic condition where the inner layer of the body's main artery (aorta) tears. It causes sudden, severe chest or upper back pain, often described as "ripping" or "tearing."
The Golden Hour: Why Immediate Action is Non-Negotiable
In cardiology, the "golden hour" refers to the critical window of time following the onset of acute symptoms during which there is the highest likelihood that medical treatment will prevent death. For a massive heart attack, restoring blood flow within 90 minutes can drastically reduce damage to the heart muscle. In cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%. Delay doesn't just risk severe disability; it risks fatality. Your swift action in calling for professional help and starting basic life support bridges this fatal gap, making you an essential part of the emergency response system.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Responding to a Cardiac Emergency
If you witness someone collapsing or showing severe symptoms, follow these steps. Don't panic, your calmness is their best chance.
Step 1: Assess the Scene and Call for Help
Ensure the area is safe for you to enter. Then, check the person. Shake their shoulders and shout, "Are you okay?" If they are unresponsive, immediately yell for someone to call your local emergency number (108 in India, 911 in the US/CA). If you are alone, call them yourself (putting the phone on speaker) before starting CPR, unless the victim is a child—then perform CPR for two minutes first.
Step 2: Check for Responsiveness and Breathing
Kneel beside the person. Tilt their head back slightly, lift the chin, and look for chest movement. Listen for breath sounds and feel for air on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds. If they are not breathing or only gasping (which is not normal breathing), begin CPR. Gasping is a sign of cardiac arrest.
Step 3: Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Place your hands on the centre of the chest, between the nipples.
- Interlock your fingers: Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly over your hands.
- Push hard and fast: Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 pushes per minute (the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive" is a perfect metronome).
- Allow recoil: Let the chest come back up completely between compressions.
- Minimise interruptions: Continue until an AED arrives, help takes over, or the person starts moving.
Step 4: Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if Available
AED is a device that can analyse the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed. It's designed for public use with simple audio and visual instructions. As soon as it arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts. It will tell you when to stand clear and when to press the shock button. Resume CPR immediately after the shock is delivered.
Know the Signs: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Common Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Discomfort in other areas: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: With or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs: Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Don't Miss the Subtle Signs:
- Atypical Presentations
- Especially common in women, diabetics, and the elderly, symptoms can be less dramatic:
- Unusual fatigue or weakness.
- Heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.
- Unexplained anxiety.
- Dizziness or fainting.
Are You at Risk? Understanding Cardiac Emergency Risk Factors
Some factors are non-modifiable, like age, family history, and gender (men are generally at higher risk at a younger age). However, the major drivers are modifiable:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity and Physical Inactivity
- Unhealthy Diet
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Managing these through lifestyle changes and regular check-ups is the cornerstone of prevention. Apollo24|7 offers convenient home collection for tests like cholesterol panels and HbA1c (for diabetes), making it easier to monitor these critical risk factors.
Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Heart Troubles
Preventing an emergency is always better than responding to one. Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a balanced diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don't smoke and limit alcohol.
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or hobbies.
- Get regular health screenings to keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Life After a Scare: Recovery and Long-Term Management
Surviving a cardiac event is the first step. Recovery involves cardiac rehabilitation—a supervised program of exercise, education, and counselling to improve health and reduce the risk of future events. Adhering to prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and committing to lifestyle changes are paramount. Long-term management of cardiac arrest risk factors is a lifelong journey that requires partnership with your cardiologist.
Conclusion
Navigating a cardiac emergency is undoubtedly daunting, but knowledge is your most powerful tool. By familiarising yourself with the signs, committing the steps of CPR to memory, and understanding the importance of immediate action, you transform from a bystander into a potential lifesaver. Remember, cardiac health is a continuous journey, not a destination. It blends vigilant emergency preparedness with a proactive commitment to daily health choices.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Vithal D Bagi
Cardiologist
15 Years • MBBS, MD,DM (Cardiology),DNB (Crdiology ),FSCAC,Senior Consultant & Interventional Cardiologist
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Sumanjita Bora
Cardiologist
9 Years • MBBS, PGDCC
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao
Cardiologist
10 Years • MD, DM, FACC, FESC, FSCAI
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Dayanashre N
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Vithal D Bagi
Cardiologist
15 Years • MBBS, MD,DM (Cardiology),DNB (Crdiology ),FSCAC,Senior Consultant & Interventional Cardiologist
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Sumanjita Bora
Cardiologist
9 Years • MBBS, PGDCC
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. M Sudhakar Rao
Cardiologist
10 Years • MD, DM, FACC, FESC, FSCAI
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Dayanashre N
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
heart attack is a circulatory problem where blood flow to the heart is blocked. The person is usually conscious. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart stops beating effectively. The person will collapse and be unresponsive immediately.
Can young, fit people experience cardiac emergencies?
Yes. While risk increases with age, young people can experience cardiac events due to congenital heart defects, untreated medical conditions, substance abuse, or underlying inflammatory issues. No one is completely immune.
What should I do if I'm alone and think I'm having a heart attack?
Call emergency services immediately. Unlock your door so medics can get in. Chew and swallow an aspirin (unless you are allergic or have been told not to take it). Sit or lie down in a comfortable position while waiting for help. Do not attempt to drive yourself.
How can I tell if chest pain is serious or just heartburn?
It can be difficult. Serious cardiac pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw. Heartburn is typically a burning sensation that may be relieved by antacids. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and get it checked out by a medical professional.
Where can I learn proper CPR and AED skills?
Many organisations offer certified courses, including the Indian Red Cross Society, local hospitals, and private training companies. You can also find demonstrations from reputable sources like the American Heart Association on YouTube, but a hands-on course is ideal for building confidence.