The Difference Between Respiratory Arrest and Cardiac Arrest

Introduction

Respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest are two different serious medical conditions that have varying symptoms, and some similar underlying causes. Respiratory arrest occurs when breathing stops while the heart continues to beat, potentially leading to brain damage or cardiac arrest if not quickly addressed. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, happens when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats irregularly, disrupting blood flow to vital organs. 

The main distinction between respiratory and cardiac arrest lies in the presence of a pulse. In respiratory arrest, the heart continues to beat, so the victim will still have a pulse, although their breathing has stopped. In contrast, during cardiac arrest, the heart is either beating irregularly or has stopped altogether, resulting in the absence of a pulse. Both conditions are critical emergencies that demand immediate medical intervention.

What Is a Respiratory Arrest?

Causes of Respiratory Arrest

A respiratory arrest is described as an interruption or disruption of breathing with persisting effective cardiac activity. Some causes of a respiratory arrest can be asthma, pneumonia, chronic lung disease, drug overdose, poisoning or an airway obstruction. An airway obstruction can be caused by blood, vomit, mucus, inflammation or a foreign object that is stopping or partially blocking a person’s breathing. When a person goes into respiratory arrest, they are commonly not able to get proper oxygen to their vital organs, which can lead to brain damage or cardiac arrest within minutes if not properly addressed and treated.  A respiratory arrest is considered to be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate management. 

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Arrest

Early signs of respiratory distress can vary, but common symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fever, a fast heart rate, and a bluish tint around the mouth or fingernails. Coughing up phlegm and chest retractions—where the chest appears to sink in below the neck or breastbone with each breath—are also notable indicators. Additionally, chest pain may worsen with breathing or coughing. Patients might also experience increased sweating around the head, even if the skin doesn’t feel warm.

How to Treat Someone During Respiratory Arrest Situation

When treating a patient in respiratory arrest, the primary goal is to open their airway and provide positive pressure ventilation. If left untreated, respiratory arrest can be fatal, so timely intervention is crucial. The specific treatment protocol will depend on the patient’s condition, but there are several key steps a rescuer should take while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

First, check the patient by gently tapping and shouting to see if they respond. If there’s no response, call for emergency assistance immediately. Next, open the airway by tilting the patient’s head back and lifting their chin. Then, check for breathing and, if necessary, administer rescue breaths and perform CPR compressions. Continue these actions until the patient regains consciousness or professional help arrives.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. A common cause of cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation, where the lower chambers of the heart quiver erratically instead of pumping blood. Other conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects. However, sudden cardiac arrest can also occur in individuals with no prior history of heart disease.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

A person’s risk of experiencing cardiac arrest can be influenced by both underlying health conditions and lifestyle factors. Key risk factors include a family history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, a previous episode of sudden cardiac arrest, a family history of heart disease, or personal experiences with heart rhythm problems, prior heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, or the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines can further increase the risk. Warning signs of cardiac arrest include chest pain or discomfort, rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeats, unexplained wheezing, lightheadedness or dizziness, and shortness of breath.

What To Do If Someone Suffers A Cardiac Arrest

If you’re assisting someone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, immediately call emergency services and ensure the person is lying flat on their back on a firm surface. It is recommended to begin hands-only CPR by kneeling beside the person’s chest and performing chest compressions: push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to apply pressure. If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible and follow the device’s instructions until emergency personnel arrive.

When using an AED, devices will typically assess if a shockable heart rhythm is detectable and will advise if a shock is required, along with instruction on how to do CPR. The Avive Connect AED is lightest and smallest FDA-approved AED available, built for accessibility and approachability for the lay rescuer. With visual and audio prompts and Spanish and Child buttons, the Avive Connect AED seeks to improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups like women, children, and non-English speakers, all while being approachable for the rescuer.

Conclusion

To summarize, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest are two different medical emergencies that have varying symptoms and causes, with some overlaps when it comes to underlying health conditions, family history, or lifestyles. Respiratory arrest occurs when breathing is interrupted or stops while the heart continues to beat. This can cause brain damage or cardiac arrest if the patient does not quickly receive medical attention. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, can happen when the heart stops beating or beats at an irregular pattern. This can disrupt blood flow to vital organs and be damaging to the brain and potentially fatal.

The key difference between a respiratory arrest and a cardiac arrest is the presence of a pulse. Respiratory arrest patients will still have a pulse as their symptoms arise, while cardiac arrest patients will have an irregular or no pulse. Without proper treatment, respiratory arrest can lead to cardiac arrest. Both respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical attention.

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