Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Many people confuse heart disease and cardiac arrest despite their differences, which can lead to fatalities during emergencies. Differentiating between these conditions is crucial for saving lives and providing appropriate care.

Cardiovascular diseases (Heart diseases) remain the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for 17.9 million deaths each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that heart diseases are responsible for 3 out of every 30 deaths worldwide.

Heart attacks result from blockages in heart blood vessels, while cardiac arrest happens when electrical heart problems interrupt the heartbeats. These health crises need different emergency care and response time because of their distinct treatment.

This guide will show you detect warning signs and the primary causes of heart attacks and cardiac arrest while educating you on the necessary responses to save someone in need.

Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: Key Differences

Here is a simple chart that explains the main differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest.

People frequently confuse cardiac arrest with heart attacks, though they involve different medical issues. Understanding their differences enables us to provide appropriate care during emergencies. Here are some key points:

Heart Attack:

• Develops when an artery is blocked, stopping blood flow to the heart.
• Linked to coronary artery disease, which involves plaque buildup in heart blood vessels.
• Symptoms appear gradually, sometimes over hours to weeks.

Cardiac Arrest:

• The heart stops functioning directly due to a failure in its electrical system.
• Primarily caused by abnormal heart rhythms.
• Occurs suddenly, with no prior warning.

Key Takeaways:

A heart attack occurs when an artery obstructs oxygen flow to heart muscle tissue, creating severe circulation issues. Conversely, cardiac arrest refers to the heart losing its regular rhythm due to electrical instability. Without swift treatment, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. Always call emergency medical services immediately upon observing chest pain, breathing issues, or sudden collapses.

What is Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is halted, cutting off its oxygen supply. Plaque buildup in coronary arteries blocks this flow. Without prompt treatment, the heart muscle sustains damage.

Heart attacks manifest as chest pain, breathing difficulties, nausea, and sweating, with pain radiating to the arms and jaw. Immediate medical assistance is crucial to restore oxygen flow and mitigate the risk of severe consequences, like heart failure or cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Common symptoms before a heart attack includes:

• Pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest.
• Pain radiating from the chest to the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath even at rest.
• Unexplained cold sweats, as noted by many survivors.
• Nausea or Vomiting – Feeling sick to the stomach.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sudden fatigue, particularly prevalent in women.

Heart attacks may occur without chest pain, with nausea and breathing problems more frequently affecting women and the elderly.

Causes of Heart Attacks

Heart attacks arise from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Common causes include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD), caused by plaque buildup in arteries.
• High blood pressure, which strains the heart.
• High cholesterol, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
• Smoking, which damages blood vessels and increases blockage risk.
• High blood sugar levels contributing to arterial damage.
• Unhealthy diets high in fats and sugars promoting heart disease.
• Chronic stress compounded by lack of physical activity.

How to Treat a Heart Attack

• A rapid response to signs of a heart attack is critical. Here’s what to do:
• Contact emergency services (Chetpet: 044 4005 4005; Velanppanchavadi: 044 4047 4047).
• Calm the person, encouraging minimal movement.
• If advised by a doctor, administer aspirin to thin the blood.
• Use prescribed nitroglycerin to relax blood vessels.
• Check for normal breathing, pulse, and consciousness.
• Administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the person collapses and is unresponsive.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when all electrical activity in the heart ceases abruptly. This leads to an instant loss of consciousness and halts blood circulation and breathing. It can be prompted by dangerous issues related to heart rhythm, like ventricular fibrillation, while heart attacks often contribute to cardiac arrest through damage to the electrical system.

Immediate response to cardiac arrest is imperative, as significant brain damage can occur within minutes without treatment. CPR and the use of an AED are crucial for survival, and knowledge of proper medical care improves outcomes.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Signs of impending cardiac arrest include:

• Sudden loss of consciousness without warning.
• Absence of pulse when blood flow stops.
• Ceasing of normal breathing and erratic gasps.
• No response to verbal or physical stimuli.
• Chest pain and lightheadedness may precede the arrest.

Action to Take:

Immediately call emergency services and begin CPR if the person is unresponsive.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

The primary cause is an irregular electrical pattern in the heart, typically due to:

• Ventricular fibrillation, a blocked pumping rhythm halting blood circulation.
• Heart attacks leading to electrical issues.
• Heart failure, diminishing the heart’s ability to pump blood.
• Electrolyte imbalances, like low potassium or magnesium levels.
• Excessive drug or alcohol intake causing heartbeat irregularities.
• Genetic disorders, such as Long QT Syndrome.

How to Treat Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest demands swift action. Follow these steps:

• Call emergency services (Chetpet: 044 4005 4005; Velanppanchavadi: 044 4047 4047).
• Begin CPR:
  – Push hard and fast, aiming for 120 controlled compressions per minute.
  – Allow the chest to return to its normal position before the next compression.
• Utilize an available AED to deliver shocks and restart the heart.
• Continue CPR until medical personnel arrive, as brain damage can start within minutes of blood flow loss.

How Are They Connected?

Both heart attacks and cardiac arrests represent distinct medical concerns but are intricately linked. A heart attack, characterized by an oxygen-depriving blockage, can compromise the electrical system of the heart, leading to cardiac arrest. While not all heart attacks result in cardiac arrest, a severe heart attack significantly increases the likelihood. Prompt medical intervention following a heart attack is crucial to minimize the risk of cardiac arrest.

Prevention Tips

Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to mitigate the risks of heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Here are some essential prevention strategies:

Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
• Monitor salt intake, especially from processed foods.

Exercise Regularly

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, such as walking or swimming.
• Include strength training and stretching to enhance circulation and strengthen the heart.

Manage Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

• Keep up with scheduled check-ups to assess blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Adhere to prescribed medications diligently.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

• Avoid smoking, as it damages arteries and raises heart disease risk.
• Moderate alcohol intake to protect blood pressure and cholesterol.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the likelihood of diabetes and heart issues.
• Focus on proper nutrition and regular physical activity.

Manage Stress Effectively

• Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to reduce stress levels.
• Ensure adequate rest and sleep for optimal heart function.

Recognize Early Warning Signs

• Seek immediate medical help for chest discomfort, lightheadedness, or breathing issues.
• Schedule regular health check-ups, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease.

Learn CPR & Emergency Response

• Acquire CPR skills to potentially save lives during cardiac emergencies.
• Be prepared to call emergency services quickly while providing care.

Maintaining your health and seeking prompt medical help can prevent heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between heart attacks and cardiac arrests is vital for saving lives. Acting quickly and securing medical assistance can significantly enhance survival rates in emergency situations. Contact emergency services immediately if someone exhibits symptoms of chest pain, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness.

For advanced heart care, visit the Cardiology Department at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals for advanced heart care.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• Chetpet: 044 4005 4005
• Velanppanchavadi: 044 4047 4047

Stay informed. Stay heart-healthy!