CPR for Heart Attacks: Step-by-Step Guide

Every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from cardiac arrest, with survival often depending on how quickly CPR is administered. Studies show that bystander CPR can double or even triple survival rates, yet many hesitate due to a lack of knowledge or confidence.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving method to maintain the flow of oxygen to the brain and the heart if a person's heart stops or takes a very slow breath. Through an act of heaven, a disastrous situation for a heart attack, drowning, or any medical emergency, the right CPR will mean the difference between life and death. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what CPR is, the different types, when to use it, and the step-by-step process to ensure you're prepared in an emergency

‍

What is CPR?

‍

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person’s heart stops beating. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

The brain can only survive 4-6 minutes without oxygen before permanent damage begins. That’s why immediate CPR is crucial.

The goal of CPR is to:

• Restore blood flow to the brain and heart.
• Delay tissue death and brain damage.
• Increase the chances of survival before defibrillation or medical intervention.

‍

Types of CPR

‍

CPR isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Different situations require different approaches:

‍

Hands-Only CPR

• Recommended for adults who suddenly collapse due to cardiac arrest.
• Involves only chest compressions, no mouth-to-mouth.
• Effective in maintaining blood circulation while waiting for emergency responders.

When to use: If you witness someone collapse and are untrained in CPR, hands-on CPR is the best approach.

‍

Conventional CPR (Compressions + Rescue Breaths)

• Used for infants, children, drowning victims, and cases of asphyxia (e.g., choking, smoke inhalation).
• Requires 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.

When to use: If a person isn’t breathing normally and you’re trained in CPR, use this method.

‍

Neonatal CPR (Newborn CPR)

• Designed for newborns (babies under 28 days old).
• Uses softer chest compressions (only two fingers) and gentler ventilation techniques.
• Compression-to-breath ratio: 3:1 (three compressions, one breath).

Key tip: Neonates have delicate ribs—compress only 1.5 inches deep to avoid injury.

‍

CPR for Pregnant Women

Similar to adult CPR but with modifications to ensure both the mother and baby receive enough oxygen.
If performing compressions, slightly tilt the woman onto her left side to reduce pressure on major blood vessels.

Did you know? Pregnant women experiencing cardiac arrest may require emergency C-sections within 5 minutes to save the baby.

‍

Causes and Risk Factors for Heart Attacks

‍

Cardiac arrest occurs when something prevents blood from flowing to the heart, sometimes due to coronary artery disease (CAD), which results in oxygen deprivation by lack of blood flow unless treated. 

Common Contributors Include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Less Physical Activity
• Overeating Alcohol
• Stress

A weighty prevention: one stands in with a healthy diet, exercise, and never smoking to decrease the chances of a cardiac arrest by 80%!

‍

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

How do you know if someone is having a heart attack? Watch for these warning signs:

• Severe chest pain or pressure (often described as a crushing feeling)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, or back
• Cold sweats and dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

Act fast: If you see these symptoms, call emergency services immediately and be prepared to start CPR if the person collapses.

‍

How is CPR Performed? A Step-by-Step Guide

Following are the steps to provide CPR:

‍

Step 1: Check Responsiveness

• Shake the person gently and shout, "Are you okay?"
• If they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services immediately (or ask someone else to do it).

Tip: If a person is gasping for air but not breathing normally, it’s still considered cardiac arrest—start CPR immediately.

Step 2: Start Chest Compressions

• Lay the person on a flat, firm surface.
• Kneel beside them and place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest (above the sternum).
• Interlock your fingers and push hard and fast, compressing 2 inches deep.
• Follow the CPR ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
• Aim for a compression rate of 100-120 per minute.

To keep rhythm, mentally repeat the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—it’s the perfect CPR tempo!

Step 3: Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

• Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin.
• Pinch the nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give two slow breaths.
• Ensure the chest rises with each breath.

If you're unsure, stick to hands-on CPR—it's still highly effective!

Step 4: Continue Until Help Arrives

Don’t stop unless:

• The person starts breathing normally.
• A medical professional takes over.
• You’re too exhausted to continue.

Tip: If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, use it! It delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

‍

What is the Most Critical Component of CPR?

‍

Many people ask, “What is the most important component of high-quality CPR?” The answer: Chest compressions!

• Push hard and fast (at least 100-120 compressions per minute).
• Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
• Minimise interruptions—continuous compressions improve survival rates.

Hands-only CPR is better than doing nothing—never hesitate to act!

‍

‍

Recovery Position After CPR

If the person regains consciousness but is still weak:

• Roll them onto their side.
• Bend the top knee to prevent rolling.
• Tilt the head slightly to keep airways open.

This prevents choking on vomit and allows easier breathing while waiting for medical help.

‍

Complications of CPR

While CPR is life-saving, it does come with some risks:

• Rib Fractures – Common but minor compared to saving a life.
• Lung Injuries – Rare but possible if compressions are too deep.
• Vomiting – If this happens, turn the person to their side to clear airways.

Key takeaway: CPR saves lives. Even if ribs break, survival matters more.

‍

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a vital skill we should all learn to save lives. CPR can be applied to infants, adults, or patients who are pregnant; knowing how to do it properly could make a world of difference. Stay vigilant, act quickly, and have no doubt—a fast response can save a life! Take the initiative and train today for emergencies. 

‍

Consult Dr. Manjinder Sandhu

‍

For expert cardiac care and professional guidance on heart health, consult Dr. Manjinder Sandhu, a leading cardiologist specialising in heart disease prevention and emergency response. Don't wait until it's too late—schedule a consultation today to learn how to protect your heart and loved ones. Your heart matters!