Heart Health Emergencies: Recognizing the Signs That Save Lives
February is Heart Month in Canada, making it the perfect time to talk about something that could save a life – recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies. Every year, thousands of Canadians experience heart attacks and cardiac arrests, and knowing what to look for and how to respond can make the difference between life and death.
At Associated Ambulance, we respond to cardiac emergencies every day. We’ve seen firsthand how bystander action in those critical first minutes dramatically improves outcomes. Here’s what you need to know.
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: They’re Not the Same Thing
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re actually two different medical emergencies that require different responses.
A heart attack is a circulation problem. It happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. The heart is still beating, but it’s not getting the oxygen it needs. Think of it like a plumbing problem—the pipes are clogged.
Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. The heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. The person collapses and stops breathing normally. This is more like a power outage – everything shuts down suddenly.
Both are serious. Both require immediate 911 calls. But what happens next is different.
Recognizing a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and they don’t always look like what you see in movies. While some people experience the classic crushing chest pain, others have symptoms that are much more subtle.
Common signs include:
- Chest discomfort or pressure that may come and go
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue
Here’s something critical to know: symptoms can present differently in women. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain rather than the typical chest pain. They may describe a feeling of pressure or tightness rather than pain.
Symptoms can develop over hours and may seem mild at first. Some people dismiss them as indigestion or stress. Don’t. If something feels wrong, trust that instinct.
Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is more dramatic and immediate. A person in cardiac arrest will:
- Suddenly collapse
- Be unresponsive
- Stop breathing normally (or only gasp occasionally)
- Have no pulse
This is a medical emergency of the highest order. There’s no time to wonder or wait.
What to Do: Heart Attack
Call 911 immediately. Even if the symptoms seem mild. Even if they come and go. Even if the person insists they’re fine. Early treatment is critical to minimizing heart damage. Following the instructions of the 911 call taker is vital – they are there to assist you.
While waiting for paramedics:
- Have the person stop what they’re doing and sit down or lie down
- Keep them calm and comfortable
- If they have prescribed nitroglycerin, help them take it
- If they’re not allergic to ASA (aspirin), have them chew one 325mg tablet or four 81mg tablets – chewing gets it into the bloodstream faster
- Stay with them until paramedics arrive
Do not let them drive themselves to the hospital. Their condition could worsen suddenly, and paramedics can begin life-saving treatment immediately upon arrival.
What to Do: Cardiac Arrest
Call 911 immediately, then start CPR. If someone else is present, have them call while you begin chest compressions. Send someone to find an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available.
If you’ve never done CPR or feel uncertain, don’t let that stop you. When you call 911, the dispatcher will walk you through it step by step. Hands-only CPR is simple: push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” (about 100-120 compressions per minute).
Bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. You don’t need to be perfect – you just need to act.
Why Paramedics Make the Difference
When you call 911 for a cardiac emergency, you’re not just getting a ride to the hospital. You’re getting immediate access to advanced care that begins the moment paramedics arrive.
Our paramedics can:
- Administer critical medications that can dissolve clots or stabilize heart rhythms
- Provide cardiac monitoring to track exactly what’s happening with the heart
- Manage airways and provide oxygen support
- Perform defibrillation if needed
- Communicate directly with the receiving hospital so the cardiac team is ready when you arrive
In heart attack cases, there’s a concept called the “golden hour” – the first 60 minutes when treatment is most effective at preventing permanent heart damage. Our paramedics don’t waste a second of that time. They’re working to save heart muscle from the moment they reach you.
For cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation decreases survival chances by about 10%. Paramedics bring the tools and training to give patients the best possible chance.
Taking Heart Health Seriously
February’s Heart Month is a reminder to know your risk factors and take care of your cardiovascular health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and family history all increase your risk of heart disease.
Regular checkups with your doctor, knowing your numbers, and making healthy lifestyle choices all matter. But even people who do everything right can experience cardiac emergencies.
That’s why knowing the signs and knowing how to respond is so important. You might save the life of someone you love. You might save a stranger. You might save your own life by recognizing symptoms early and getting help fast.
At Associated Ambulance, we’re here when seconds count. But we’re also here to help our community be prepared, informed, and ready to act when it matters most.
Know the signs. Call 911. Every second counts.