Understanding the Differences Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Many people often confuse 'heart attack' and 'cardiac arrest,'

However, they are two distinct medical conditions with different causes and outcomes.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to a blocked coronary artery. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot in the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart muscle.

Signs and Symptoms:

Jaw pain Neck pain Back pain Pain or ache in the back of the arms Sweating

Not everyone experiences chest pain during a heart attack. As a precaution, if experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is a sudden stop in heart function. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but it can result from a heart attack, as well as other conditions like rhythm disorders, electrical disturbances, or external causes such as choking, drowning, or trauma.

Types of Cardiac Arrest:

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): An ineffective muscle contraction that does not result in a heartbeat. Non-beating Heart Muscle: A complete stop in heart function.

During cardiac arrest, the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the body. This can result in sudden unconsciousness and, if not treated immediately, can be fatal.

Can a Heart Attack Lead to Cardiac Arrest?

While a heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, not everyone who has a heart attack experiences a cardiac arrest. The relationship between these two conditions is complex:

Heart Attack: Death of heart muscle due to blocked coronary artery. Cardiac Arrest: Sudden stop in heart function, which can be triggered by an underlying heart attack or other factors.

Cardiac arrest due to a heart attack occurs when the damage to the heart muscle is severe enough to disrupt its electrical activity, leading to a life-threatening rhythm.

Immediate Action for Cardiac Arrest

When witnessing a cardiac arrest or suspecting one, immediate action is crucial:

Call emergency services (911) immediately. Administer CPR if you are trained and able. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.

Chewing a low-dose aspirin (85 mg) can also be beneficial if you are experienced and the situation allows. However, prompt medical help is essential.

Prevention and Awareness

Knowing the signs of a potential heart attack and taking preventive measures can save lives:

Carry a small bottle of low-dose aspirin. Recognize the signs of a heart attack. Stay informed about heart health and risk factors. Visit a healthcare professional for regular check-ups.

Awareness and quick action can help in the management and prevention of these conditions.

By understanding the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, we can take better care of ourselves and those around us.