signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest - #14538
I am really worried because my uncle had an episode last week and I wasn't sure what was happening until it was too late. He was in the kitchen, complaining about feeling dizzy and short of breath for a little while and then he just collapsed. I mean, I always thought I knew the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, but in that moment, everything felt surreal. My aunt called 911 while I tried to remember what I had read about the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest. His face had this funny color, and I noticed he wasn't breathing right. I know the doctors mentioned something about how important it is to recognize early signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, but honestly, I didn’t know if he was having a heart attack or if it was worse! We found out later he had experienced a full cardiac arrest but he was revived thanks to the EMTs. I feel guilty for not knowing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest beforehand. How can someone tell that it's serious enough to act quickly? I mean, I want to understand the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest better, especially since it can happen out of nowhere, right? What should we all be looking for next time?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest swiftly can indeed be crucial, and differentiating it from a heart attack is key because a cardiac arrest is more immediate and dire. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops functioning effectively, leading to a sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, and stopping breathing. It’s a critical situation that requires immediate action. If someone is dizzy and short of breath, and then collapses, it’s essential to check for these signs right away. Look at their face—if there’s a sudden loss of skin tone or it looks pale or bluish, that’s concerning. Absence of breath or abnormal breathing patterns, like gasping, is another red flag.
In that situation, start CPR immediately while someone else calls emergency services. Time is of the essence in cardiac arrest; each passing minute without CPR or defibrillation decreases the chance of survival significantly. It’s important to understand that cardiac arrest can indeed occur suddenly and might not have distinct warning signs—this is what makes it particularly dangerous. Sometimes, it’s preceded by symptoms like chest pain, but not always. Awareness and readiness to act can make a significant difference. If you suspect cardiac issues might be a recurring concern in your family, consider getting trained in CPR and using an AED (automated external defibrillator), as these can be lifesaving. It’s not uncommon to feel unsure in such a pressured situation, but increasing your knowledge and being prepared can empower you to act more confidently if faced with a similar emergency in the future.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.