Difference Between Cardiac Arrest & Heart Attack

Difference Between Cardiac Arrest & Heart Attack
Image Source: Google Photos

A heart attack also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a heart attack, but it can also be caused by other problems such as an abnormal heart rhythm. Symptoms of cardiac arrest include loss of consciousness and no pulse.

In summary, a heart attack is a circulation problem, whereas cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart stops pumping blood to the body. It occurs when the electrical activity in the heart becomes disorganized and the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, trauma, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest include loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no breathing. A cardiac arrest requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to brain damage and death within minutes.

There are two types of cardiac arrest: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) both are types of sudden cardiac arrest.

Treatment for cardiac arrest includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, which can restore the heart's normal rhythm. In some cases, advanced life support, such as intubation, IV drugs, and or hypothermia therapy may also be used.

What Is Heart Attack?

A heart attack also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. The most common cause of a heart attack is a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which can rupture and form a clot.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, breaking out in a cold sweat, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Some people may also experience nausea or vomiting.

A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Treatment options include medications to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow, angioplasty to open the blocked artery, and bypass surgery to create an alternate route for blood flow.

It is important to note that not all heart attacks present with typical chest pain, some people may have less typical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and feeling like they are going to pass out.

What Is Heart Attack?
Image Source: Google Photos

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Symptoms and Causes Of Cardiac Arrest

Symptoms of cardiac arrest include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • No pulse
  • No breathing or agonal breathing (abnormal or gasping breathing)

Causes of cardiac arrest can include:

  1. Coronary artery disease, can lead to a heart attack and damage the heart's electrical system.
  2. Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), such as ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, which disrupt the heart's normal electrical activity.
  3. Structural problems with the heart, such as cardiomyopathy or heart valve disease.
  4. Trauma or injury to the heart.Certain medical conditions such as respiratory or metabolic problems, electrolyte imbalances, or drug overdose.
  5. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone at any time, with no warning, and is not limited to people with pre-existing heart conditions.

It is important to note that if someone has a cardiac arrest, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. Survival rates decrease rapidly with time and the chance of survival decreases by 7-10% with every minute that passes without intervention.

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Symptoms and Causes Of Heart Attack

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort: This can feel like a squeezing, fullness, or pressure sensation in the chest. It can also radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
It is important to note that not all heart attacks present with typical chest pain, some people may have less typical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and feeling like they are going to pass out. 

The main cause of a heart attack is a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which can rupture and form a blood clot. This blockage can restrict or stop blood flow to a part of the heart muscle.

Risk factors for a heart attack include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Advanced age
  • Male gender
  • Stress
  • Sleep Apnea.

It is important to note that a heart attack is a medical emergency, and it's important to seek medical help as soon as possible. The quicker the treatment, the better the chances of recovery and survival.

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