Heart attack vs Cardiac arrest
Comparison of Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest People often use these two terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing at all. A heart attack happens when a blood clot or plaque buildup blocks the flow of blood to part of the heart muscle. The heart usually keeps beating, and the person is often conscious though they may feel chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating into the arm or jaw. Cardiac arrest is a different beast entirely. It’s an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to stop pumping altogether, leading to sudden collapse, unconsciousness, no pulse, and breathing that’s either abnormal or absent. Here’s the connection worth remembering: a serious heart attack can sometimes trigger the rhythm disturbance that leads to cardiac arrest. Both are emergencies, no question. But cardiac arrest is the one where every second counts ,CPR and an AED, if one’s nearby, can be the difference between life and death. Features Heart Attack Cardiac Arrest Medical Definition Blocked blood flow damages the heart muscle The heart suddenly stops beating effectively Main Problem Circulation (blocked artery) Electrical malfunction of the heart Cause Coronary artery blockage due to plaque or clot Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), ventricular fibrillation, severe heart disease Does the Heart Beat? Usually yes No, or not effectively Is the Person Conscious? Usually awake initially Usually unconscious within seconds Pulse Usually present No pulse Breathing Usually breathing, may be short of breath No normal breathing or only gasping Common Symptoms Chest pain, sweating, nausea, arm pain, jaw pain Sudden collapse, unconsciousness, no pulse Emergency Response Call emergency services immediately and reach a hospital Call emergency services immediately, begin CPR and use an AED if available Treatment Angioplasty, stent, clot-dissolving medicines, medications CPR, defibrillation (AED), advanced cardiac life support Can One Cause the Other? Yes. A severe heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is sometimes the result of a heart attack. Survival Depends On How quickly blood flow is restored How quickly CPR and defibrillation begin Experience Quality Health Care Under One Roof Make Appointment
