Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack- Do you Understand the 5 basic Differences?

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Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Famous television actor Vikas Sethi died of cardiac arrest, he was 48 years old. Often people get confused between cardiac arrest and heart attack, many consider them to be the same. In reality, these are two different situations.

Let us know what the difference is between them. And how can these fatal heart problems be prevented?

Introduction

Heart-related emergencies are among the scariest and most dangerous conditions one could ever face. Cardiac arrest and heart attack are perhaps the most common terms mentioned about heart health. Although they are often brought up together anytime mentioned, they involve two different medical conditions. Both are dangerous and can be lethal if not treated on time, but being able to tell the difference between them, their causes, symptoms, methods of treatment, and steps to take during emergencies will save lives.

Below is a detailed blog about the critical differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, root causes for each condition, associated risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and how each could be prevented. We are going to cover the importance of the emergency response and the way the intervention of the bystanders using CPR-cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator-AED can make the difference between life and death when cardiac arrest strikes.

What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency when the heart, all of a sudden, stops beating effectively. It affects the flow of blood into the brain and other rather vital organs. This may be developed from many causes: heart attacks, arrhythmias, or serious trauma.

In case of cardiac arrest, the victim may collapse and lose his or her consciousness, not being able to breathe normally anymore. The sooner the intervention, the better; the survivors’ chances are much greater with the action of CPR and deployment of an AED. Being informed about the signs of how important rapid response is may mean the difference between life and death in such critical situations.

Identification of the signs of heart attack is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms are chest pain, discomfort in other areas such as arms or jaws, and discomfort in other areas such as arms or jaws. It has to be kept in mind that heart attack symptoms in women are different; their symptoms can be in the form of nausea, fatigue, or back pain in place of typical chest pain.

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Well, cardiac arrest is the total opposite, in which, unlike a heart attack, where blood flow is blocked, the proper beating of the heart is suddenly disrupted and a person loses consciousness and breathes. In these cases, urgent treatment involves CPR.

It is important to live a heart-healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Following are some efficient ways as to how to prevent heart attack:
A balanced diet with an intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Regular exercises.
Do not smoke; also, limit alcohol intake.
Deal with your stress by learning to relax.
Informed and active, you can a lot improve your heart health.

Cardiac arrest and heart attack. Difference?

While both cardiac arrest and heart attacks involve the heart, mechanisms precluding these events differ. This will be important to understand as response and treatment are radically different for each condition.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to the area of the heart is interrupted for a long period, leading to death or damage to that portion of the heart muscle. More often than not, this blockage is due to a deposition of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries, through which blood flows to the heart muscle. Over time, these deposits of greasy material form plaques that could rupture and cause clots, which block the artery.

With inadequate blood flow, the portion of the heart involved does not get oxygen and starts dying. The longer the heart does not receive oxygen, the greater the damage would be to the heart muscle, which may then lead to heart failure or other serious complications.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of cardiac function due to some kind of electrical malfunction in the heart that causes it to stop beating effectively. This generally occurs quite suddenly and unanticipated, and the heartbeat then quivers wildly condition known as ventricular fibrillation the heart completely stops its contractions-asystole. Since the heart is no longer pumping blood, the brain, lungs, and other vital organs are no longer receiving any oxygen. If untreated, cardiac arrest can be lethal within minutes.

Main Differences Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Although they are life-threatening and involve the heart, their causes and treatment are quite different.

Though cardiac arrest and heart attack are many times used as interchangeable terms, the truth is that these are two different medical conditions with their causes and treatments. Both are highly important emergencies that require immediate medical attention; knowing the differences, however, may save a life.

One has a heart attack when the blood flow through one part of the heart muscle is completely obstructed; this is usually done by the blood clot in the coronary artery. In this kind of scenario, the required oxygen would be without adequate damage to that part of the heart. However, a heart attack does not cause the heart to stop beating for the most part. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but they are also different events altogether.

Cardiac arrest is a sudden cessation of the heartbeat, causing an abrupt loss of blood circulation to the brain and rest of the body. It happens when the beating of a person’s heart suddenly becomes quite irregular-an abnormal heart rhythm in which there is a problem in the electrical impulses in the heart. Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack; in a heart attack, the heart may keep on beating, though many times it will result in cardiac arrest.

In both cases, this requires timeliness. If it is a heart attack, then recognizing timely symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea, and immediately taking medical assistance stops further damage. In case cardiac arrest occurs, calling immediately to emergency services and doing CPR can double or even triple one’s chances of survival.

While both cardiac arrest and heart attack have some relation to each other, treatment for each is different. A heart attack can be treated by medication or surgery that may involve restoring blood flow. Cardiac arrest requires immediate resuscitation through CPR and defibrillation.

Knowing the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack can enable you to quickly respond effectively in an emergency and save a life.

Cardiac ArrestHeart Attack
Caused by an electrical malfunction in the heartCaused by blockage of a coronary artery
The heart stops beating effectively.The heart is still beating but with impaired function
Victim collapses, unconscious, and pulselessThe victim collapses, unconscious, and pulseless
Needs immediate CPR and defibrillationNeeds immediate medical treatment and medication
Sudden and unforeseenUsually does occur after warning symptoms, such as chest pain

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is in most cases an electrical problem in the heart, usually caused by an arrhythmia. Some of the most common arrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest include the following:

1. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): The ventricles of the heart quiver and don’t pump blood; hence, the blood flow into your body is brought to a halt.
2. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): The ventricles beat too fast, which decreases their efficiency in pumping blood.
3. Bradyarrhythmias: In this, the heart beats too slowly to keep up with adequate circulation.
4. Asystole: The heart stops beating altogether.

The possible causes of such arrhythmias may include but are not limited to:

CAD (Coronary artery disease): This is the single most common cause of cardiac arrest. It leads to the narrowing of coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.

Myocardial infarction: A previous heart attack can weaken the heart and can lead to electric instability of the heart.

Cardiomyopathy: Abnormal dilatation or thickening of the heart muscles may result in disturbance within the electrical conducting system of the heart.

Congenital heart disease: People born with structural defects of the heart are more likely to develop arrhythmias, which might, in turn, lead to cardiac arrest.

Heart failure: When the muscle in one’s heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, a cardiac arrest might occur. Overdose of medication: Some drugs, more so those that stimulate the heart like cocaine can be prone to cause arrhythmias.

Electrocution: It is a sudden shock interfering with the rhythm of your heart.

Causes of Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

The myocardial infarction is caused by the blockage of the coronary arteries supplying the blood to the heart muscle. It generally happens as a result of plaque development from fats, cholesterol, and other substances on the wall of the artery. Whenever one of these plaques ruptures, it may result in the complete obstruction of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle through the formation of a blood clot. The following are the factors that increase the risk of myocardial infarction:

High blood pressure or hypertension-

Progressive weakening of the arteries over time increases the susceptibility to blockages of those vessels.

High level of cholesterol

High levels of cholesterol increase the formation of plaque deposits along the inner walls of the arteries.

Smoking

It results in the potential damage of blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.

Diabetes

High blood sugar levels reduce the ability of blood vessels and therefore increase the risk of heart disease.

Obesity

More body fat increases heart-related ailments and heart attacks, particularly around the waist.

Physical inactivity

Not keeping physically active heightens the risk of obesity and other conditions that may lead to heart attacks.

Unhealthy diet

Consuming too much salt, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and generally cholesterol raises blood pressure and cholesterol. This thus risks the occurrence of heart attacks.

The genetic history of heart diseases:

Heart diseases may be in the family.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

The ability to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack or cardiac arrest is the key to prompt intervention. Cardiac arrest and heart attack are both medical emergencies in which immediate action must be taken; however, the symptoms and their potential causes differ substantially between the two. Understanding warning signs may save a life during an emergency.

Call immediately for emergency services if one suspects someone is having a heart attack. Should that person then collapse into cardiac arrest, begin CPR and use an AED if available. Early action in both cardiac arrest and heart attack greatly improves survival rates.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The symptoms of a heart attack may be gradual or may come on suddenly. The warning signs of a heart attack include:

Chest pain or discomfort

It feels like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest. It may reach to the neck, jaw, arms, and back.

Difficulty breathing

One feels some kind of pain while breathing, sometimes with or without chest discomfort.

Nausea or vomiting

Some individuals experience symptoms like indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or stomach ache.

Lightheadedness or dizziness

A heart attack can lead to feelings of light-headedness or dizziness.

Cold sweat

One experiences profuse sweating, which many times is described as “breaking out in a cold sweat.”

Fatigue

At times, women may show unusual fatigue a few days before or during a heart attack.
Note that one may not necessarily exhibit all these signs and symptoms, and some heart attacks so-called “silent heart attacks”-might come about without apparent signs and symptoms, particularly in people with diabetes.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest most often occurs suddenly and dramatically, without warning. The following are the signs that indicate a cardiac arrest emergency:

Sudden collapse: A person may suddenly collapse and fall to the ground.
No pulse: There is no detectable heartbeat.
No breathing: The person is not breathing or is gasping for air.
Unconsciousness: A person is unresponsive and does not awaken, even if shaken or shouted at.
Cardiac arrest is an emergency that needs prompt attention; if left unattended, it may lead to death in minutes.

Emergency Response: What to Do

The first few minutes following a heart attack or cardiac arrest represent the most critical period. Rapid medical care can save a life, but the action taken is distinctly different for the two conditions.

What to Do During Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

If you suspect that someone is having a heart attack, here is what to do:

Call immediately for emergency services:

If you look the patient is now ok but do not wait and take further necessary steps. Time is of the essence.

Have them sit

Resting in a seated position can take some strain off of the heart.

Administer aspirin if available

If breathing and not allergic to aspirin, prepared with 325 mg aspirin to chew can prevent further clotting.

Give Nitroglycerin If Prescribed

If the person has a prescription for nitroglycerin for chest pain, help them take the nitroglycerin according to the doctor’s instructions.

Stay with the person until the doctors arrive, to keep him/her calm and monitor his/her condition.

What to do in case of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a real emergency that requires immediate intervention:

Immediately call emergency services:

Every minute counts. Tell the dispatcher the person has gone into cardiac arrest.

Start CPR

If the person is unconscious and not breathing, begin chest compressions. Push hard and fast at the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

If available, use an AED

It can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Instructions will be provided on the device.

Continue the CPR effort until the person receives help

Continue with the process of giving CPR until help arrives or the victim starts breathing again.

Treatment and Long-Term Management

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Treatment for Heart Attack

Most of the treatments that must be carried out to limit the damage to heart muscle have to be done immediately in the hospital itself. The treatment may include:

Medications: Most of the people who suffer from a heart attack are prescribed medications that include blood thinners, clot busters also called thrombolytics, and pain relievers to dissolve clots, reduce pain as well as restore blood flow.

Angioplasty and stenting: The procedure of angioplasty and stenting is done by inflating a balloon in the obstructed artery and placing a small mesh tube, called a stent, which remains inside and keeps the artery open.
Coronary artery bypass surgery: Surgery is the necessary step in case of serious blockages; hence, it gives a new way for the blood to reach the heart.

The long-term management of post-myocardial infarction would include lifestyle changes and medications that would reduce potential risks for future heart problems. This would be as follows:

Medication: Beta-blockers, statins, and antiplatelet drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risks of blood clotting

Cardiac rehabilitation: A monitored exercise program that may also include education on heart-healthy living and stress-reduction techniques to help improve one’s health.

Treatment of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is one of those conditions whose survival depends on prompt medical care. After the heart of the patient has been restored, the treatment shifts to the prevention of future incidents and treatment of the cause. Various treatments include:

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator– it is a small device situated in the chest and keeps track of the heart rhythm. It can, therefore, provide a shock when needed to restore a normal rhythm.

Medications-Anti-arrhythmic drugs, which regularize abnormal heart rhythms, are also part of them.

Life Style Changes- It is also very important to develop a lifestyle modification foundation for treatments of coronary artery disease or heart failure. Dietary modifications, regular exercise, cessation of smoking, and avoidance of stress will be included.

Prevention Strategies

The prevention of heart attacks and cardiac arrest, aside from the control of the risk factors, is primarily through heart-healthy lifestyle options. Major strategies for preventing both conditions are thereby outlined as follows:
The Heart-Healthy Diet: To reduce the risk of heart disease, regular consumption should be done with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit food and beverages high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.

Exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity or a mix of both every week. Besides controlling weight, regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Avoid Smoking: According to various studies, smoking is considered one of the great risks for heart disease. It is very important to quit smoking as this reduces the risk of a heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

Reduce your stress: Long-term stress has been linked to heart disease. Engage in a stress-reducing activity like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.

Control high blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol raise one’s risk for heart disease. Regular check-ups and, if necessary, medication can help keep these conditions under control.

Control diabetes: You will lower your risk of heart complications if you have good blood sugar control through monitoring by diet, exercise, and medication.

Limit your intake of alcohol– Heavy drinking can raise your blood pressure and increase danger to your heart. Moderation may be defined as one drink a day for women and up to two a day for men.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack is important to elicit the right response in life-threatening emergencies. When one considers the description of a heart attack as a “plumbing” problem, resulting from blocked blood flow to the heart, cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem wherein the heart stops beating. While both conditions demand immediate medical attention, their nature of response and treatment differs.

You can help save a life by knowing the symptoms, and the risk factors, and by providing the proper emergency response. Part of cardiac arrest management includes medical care, as well as CPR and AED by a bystander. Timely care might lighten the burden of a heart attack along with lifestyle changes.

This is the most important point: by living an appropriate heart-healthy lifestyle, with a proper diet, an adequate amount of exercise, and effective stress management, one will be able to reduce one’s risks for cardiac arrest and heart attack and manage high blood pressure and diabetes.

Both cardiac arrest and heart attack are life-threatening medical emergencies, though they differ in cause and symptoms. While a heart attack is when the heart doesn’t get blood because of blockage, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that causes the heart to stop beating all of a sudden.

It is important to learn the signs and symptoms of both so that you might get early medical help that may save a person’s life. Whether a person is in the process of having a heart attack or has collapsed from cardiac arrest, the speed at which an individual acts may mean all the difference between the hope of survival and just another statistic. Understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack will go a long way in acting appropriately in an emergency.

Disclaimer

In this article, information related to a particular topic has been collected from various sources, the purpose of which, is only to increase the knowledge of the readers and it does not confirm the existence of any disease, particular statement, explanation, appropriateness, congruity, and information or any kind of treatment. Health Alpha does not take any responsibility for any such information.

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