A new public health initiative has emerged on X, with the NHS launching an educational campaign about recognising life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

The health service has published a series of instructional images and emergency response guidelines aimed at improving public awareness.

"Do you know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? Know what to do in these emergencies and help spread the word," the NHS posted on the platform.

The campaign focuses on teaching the public to identify three critical heart attack warning signs and understand the distinction between heart attacks and cardiac arrests, while providing clear emergency response protocols for both scenarios.

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The NHS has identified three primary indicators that someone may be experiencing a heart attack: chest discomfort, feelings of dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Additional warning signs include pain radiating through the left arm, excessive sweating, nausea or vomiting, and persistent coughing or wheezing.

According to the health service's guidance, individuals experiencing these symptoms typically remain conscious during a heart attack.

The NHS emphasises that recognising these signs quickly can be crucial for obtaining timely medical intervention.

The campaign aims to ensure the public can identify these symptoms promptly and take appropriate action when someone displays these warning signs.

The NHS campaign highlights a critical distinction between these two cardiac emergencies.

During a cardiac arrest, patients lose consciousness and either stop breathing entirely or display abnormal breathing patterns. The health service warns that victims won't respond to sound or physical contact.

The NHS explained that cardiac arrest occurs when normal heart function ceases, halting blood circulation throughout the body.

This represents a more severe emergency than a heart attack, requiring immediate intervention.

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Symptoms of a heart attack include feelings of dizziness

The campaign stresses that recognising whether someone is experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrest determines the appropriate emergency response, with survival rates directly linked to how quickly bystanders act.

The NHS provides specific emergency protocols for both situations.

For cardiac arrest, the service recommends following the DRABC sequence: assess Danger by ensuring scene safety, check Response by calling out and shaking shoulders, Shout for assistance and ring 999, open the Airway by tilting the head backwards, examine Breathing for chest movement and unusual sounds, then begin compressions if breathing appears abnormal.

For heart attack victims, the NHS checklist includes helping them into a seated position for comfort, withholding food and beverages, and administering a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew gradually if accessible, except for those under sixteen or with allergies.