Unaware that "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" are two separate and significant health issues with different causes, symptoms, and end-outcomes, many individuals address these conditions interchangeably. This pervasive misunderstanding can be harmful since a treatment that saves a life for one ailment might not work for another. A myocardial infarction, often known as a heart attack, happens when the heart muscle is damaged due to a blockage in blood flow to a portion of the heart, typically caused by a clot. On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical defect causes the heart to stop beating abruptly, depriving blood flow to vital organs.
Ignorance of the distinction frequently leads to missing warning signals, inadequate first aid, or delayed medical assistance. Awareness is therefore essential for both taking preventative measures before these situations arise and for responding appropriately in an emergency. Understanding both disorders' symptoms, risk factors, and response strategies can save lives. Knowing the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest is now crucial for every person and society due to an increasing number of cardiovascular disorders.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs unexpectedly when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, resulting in an irregular heart rhythm. Blood cannot be pumped from the heart to the brain, lungs, or other organs. A person loses their pulse as well as consciousness as a result of this. If assistance is not given within minutes, the individual may not survive.What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is impeded by a clogged artery. If the blocked artery is not promptly unblocked, the area of the heart that it typically supplies starts to die. The more time that passes without therapy, the more harm is done.Heart attack symptoms might appear gradually and be moderate at first, or they can be sudden and severe. It's also possible to have a heart attack with little to no side effects. In most cases, the heart continues to beat even after a heart attack. Women may have different symptoms from heart attacks than men do.
What is the Link Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
These two cardiac disorders are related. Following a heart attack or while recovering, sudden cardiac arrest may occur. Sudden cardiac arrest is more likely to occur after a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest is not always the immediate result of heart attacks. But heart attacks are often the cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest can also result from other heart conditions that interfere with the heart's rhythm. These include:- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation
- Congenital heart defects
- Infections
What are the Causes of Cardiac Arrest?
Following are the causes of cardiac arrest:- A family history of coronary artery disease.
- Chronic smoking
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- A previous episode of sudden cardiac arrest or a family history of it
- A previous history of heart attack
What are the Causes of Heart Attacks?
Following are the causes of heart attacks:- Old aged men & women
- Long term tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Family history of heart attacks
- Not enough exercise
- Unhealthy diet
- Emotional stress, such as extreme anger
- Illegal drug use
- History of preeclampsia
- Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
What are the Cardiac Arrest Symptoms?
Following are the symptoms of cardiac arrest:- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heartbeat called palpitations
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
What are the Heart Attack Symptoms?
Following are the symptoms of heart attack:- Chest pain
- Pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching in chest radiating to
- left shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly
- Fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness
- Sudden dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
What is the Difference Between Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest?
| Feature | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
| Cause | Blocked blood flow in coronary arteries | Electrical malfunction causing heart to stop |
| Primary Nature | Circulatory issue | Electrical issue |
| Consciousness | Usually conscious | Unconscious almost immediately |
| Heartbeat | Present, though strained | Absent or erratic |
| Breathing | Present but may be difficult | Not breathing or gasping |
| Warning Signs | Often clear signs like chest pain, discomfort | Often sudden with no warning |
| Treatment | Treatments for heart attack includes medication, angioplasty, bypass | Treatments for cardiac arrest includes CPR, defibrillation, ACLS |
| Urgency | Very urgent, but some time for response | Requires immediate action within minutes |
| Recovery | Depends on damage and speed of treatment | Depends on immediate CPR and defibrillation |
| Outcome | Can be managed with prompt care | Fatal within minutes without intervention |
Conclusion
Although one is brought on by a blockage and the other by an electrical issue with the heart, you may lower your chance of developing either of the conditions. Maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to help enhance your cardiovascular health overall.Please contact emergency medical assistance right away if you think you or someone close to you is experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrest. If your heart stops on the way to the emergency department, the ambulance will have equipment to treat you, so don't drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital. In the event that someone close to you has a cardiac arrest, dial the emergency number of a nearby health facility and start CPR right away, continuing until paramedics arrive.
The ability to perform CPR is crucial and life-saving. Learning hands-only CPR is simple and doesn't involve taking a course.
Book your consultation now for personalised advice from expert cardiologists at Asian Heart Institute. on key differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest!
FAQs
Q1: Can a heart attack cause cardiac arrest?A: Yes, a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, especially if it leads to a dangerous heart rhythm like ventricular fibrillation.
Q2: Can cardiac arrest be prevented?
A: Yes, managing heart health, treating underlying conditions, avoiding drug misuse, and regular health check-ups can reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Q3: Is cardiac arrest always fatal?
A: No. If treated within the first few minutes with CPR and defibrillation, survival is possible. Without quick intervention, however, sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal.
Q4: Is cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
A: No, they are different conditions. While both are heart-related emergencies, cardiac arrest is an electrical failure causing the heart to stop beating, whereas a heart attack is a circulation issue caused by blocked arteries.
Q5: How fast should I act during cardiac arrest?
A: Immediate action is critical. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by about 10%. Always treat cardiac arrest as a life-threatening emergency.
