Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It is not the same as a heart attack, which happens when the heart’s blood supply is cut off. Cardiac arrest can occur without warning and, if not treated immediately, is often fatal. Knowing the basic signs of cardiac arrest can be life-saving, as early recognition and prompt intervention can increase the chances of survival. Below are 15 common signs that indicate a person may be experiencing cardiac arrest.

1. Sudden Loss of Consciousness

One of the most immediate signs of cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of consciousness. The heart stops pumping blood effectively, cutting off oxygen to the brain, which causes a person to collapse abruptly. They will become unresponsive and will not wake up when called or shaken.

2. Absence of Pulse

In cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, leading to an absence of a detectable pulse. When the heart fails to pump blood, there is no pulse in arteries like the wrist or neck. Checking for a pulse is crucial in identifying cardiac arrest.

3. No Breathing or Gasping for Air

A person in cardiac arrest will either not be breathing at all or will be gasping for air in an abnormal, irregular pattern known as agonal breathing. Agonal breaths are weak and ineffective, unlike normal breathing. Observing a lack of proper breathing is a critical indicator of cardiac arrest.

4. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Many people experience chest pain or discomfort before cardiac arrest, particularly if they have underlying heart problems. The pain is often described as a pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, which may radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. Although chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, it can precede cardiac arrest as well.

5. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Cardiac arrest can result in a feeling of extreme dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if blood flow to the brain is disrupted. A person may feel faint just before losing consciousness, as the lack of circulation and oxygen affects the brain’s function.