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A heart attack and a cardiac arrest are two completely different emergencies — different causes, different signs, and completely different responses. At American Hospital Clinics Doha, our Specialist Cardiologist Dr. Sajjad Ali sees the consequences of delayed or incorrect response regularly. Understanding this distinction is something every person in Qatar should know.
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Heart Attack: A Plumbing Problem
A heart attack occurs when a blockage — typically a blood clot forming over ruptured cholesterol plaque — cuts off blood supply to part of the heart muscle. The heart is still beating. The person is still conscious. But heart tissue is dying by the minute.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
✔ Chest pain or pressure — squeezing, crushing, heavy weight sensation
✔ Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck, back, or stomach
✔ Shortness of breath — with or without chest pain
✔ Cold sweat, nausea, or sudden lightheadedness
✔ Unusual fatigue — especially in women, sometimes days before the event
Important: Women frequently experience jaw pain, back pain, nausea, and fatigue — not the classic crushing chest pain. Women’s heart attacks are diagnosed later because of this. Know the difference.
What To Do in a Heart Attack
✔ Call 999 immediately
✔ Keep the person still and calm — do not let them walk around
✔ Give aspirin (300mg) if available and the person is not allergic
✔ Do not leave them alone until emergency services arrive
Cardiac Arrest: An Electrical Problem
Cardiac arrest is when the heart’s electrical system short-circuits and the heart stops pumping altogether. The person collapses suddenly, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally. Without intervention in the first few minutes, brain damage is irreversible and death follows rapidly.
⚠ Every minute without CPR in cardiac arrest, survival drops by 7 to 10%. Most ambulances in Doha take 8 to 10 minutes. Without bystander CPR, the outcome is often decided before help arrives.
Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest
✔ Sudden collapse — no warning
✔ Completely unresponsive — does not react to tapping or shouting
✔ No normal breathing — gasping or complete absence of breath
What To Do in Cardiac Arrest — Act in 60 Seconds
-
Call 999 immediately
Shout for someone to call while you begin CPR. Every second matters.
-
Start CPR now — do not wait
Hard, fast chest compressions — centre of the chest, at least 5cm deep, 100 to 120 per minute. Do not stop. You cannot make things worse.
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Find an AED defibrillator
Located in most Doha malls, airports, and large buildings. Use it immediately — it talks you through everything with voice instructions.
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Continue until professional help arrives
Switch with another bystander if fatigue sets in. Keep compressions going. Hands-only CPR — no rescue breaths required — is proven effective.
The Key Difference at a Glance
- Heart attack: Person is conscious, in pain, and aware something is wrong. Call 999. Keep them still.
- Cardiac arrest: Person is unresponsive, not breathing. Call 999 AND start CPR immediately. Every second counts.
Medically reviewed and endorsed by:
Doctor’s Review & Clinical Oversight
This content is reviewed and endorsed by:
Dr. Sajjad Ali
Specialist Cardiologist
QCHP License: P17304
American Hospital Clinics, Qatar
"In cardiac arrest, the heart has stopped. CPR is not optional — it is the only thing keeping that person's brain alive until the defibrillator arrives. Every person in Qatar should know these two minutes of knowledge. It is literally the difference between life and death."
Had chest pain recently?
Don’t ignore it. Book a Cardiology Check
Cardiac Check Packages — American Hospital Clinics Doha
| Package Name | Includes | Price (QAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology Consultation |
|
From 200 QAR |
| Full Body Health Checkup |
|
159 QAR |
| Easy Friday Health Checkup |
|
89 QAR |
| Wellness Checkup |
|
49 QAR |
Book your consultation today
LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Free ECG With Your First Cardiology Consultation This Month
Book a cardiac consultation at American Hospital Clinics Doha this month and receive a complimentary ECG. Limited slots — call +974 44038777.
Limited time offer for first-time patients. Call +974 44038777 to confirm availability.
Why Choose American Hospital Clinics Doha?
✔ Specialist Cardiologist — Dr. Sajjad Ali, QCHP P17304
✔ ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac risk assessment available on-site
✔ Post-event follow-up and long-term heart management
✔ Same-day appointments available — don’t delay
✔ Male and female cardiology consultation services
✔ Most major Qatar insurance plans accepted
Your health is managed with precision, safety, and long-term care — by specialists who treat people, not just conditions.
What Our Patients in Doha Say
FAQs
Does a heart attack always cause cardiac arrest?
Can young, fit people have cardiac arrest?
Is CPR only for medical professionals?
How do I know if someone is in cardiac arrest?
Should I see a cardiologist after a heart attack even if I feel fine?
Can I get a cardiac check even without symptoms?
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Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or family history of heart disease — don’t wait.
C Ring Road, Al Muntazah Street, Doha, Qatar
