What can happen if you compress on a heart that is beating?

If compressions are performed on a heart that is beating, it can disrupt effective coronary blood flow, ultimately impairing the quality of CPR and potentially leading to decreased cardiac output. Cardiac compressions create the necessary circulation of oxygenated blood that keeps the person alive by compressing and relaxing the chest rapidly while avoiding direct pressure over beating areas or performing deep compressions. Proper CPR technique involves providing compressions to an unresponsive person who does not have a pulse, ensuring no chest recoil occurs between compressions.