It is not uncommon for people to become confused when talking about a heart attack and cardiac arrest. You might be asking whether a cardiac arrest and a heart attack are the same thing. Both of these things are, without a doubt, quite frightening and upsetting; nevertheless, there are several key distinctions that you must constantly keep in mind!
We’ve come up with a mini-guide to understand a bit better the main differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Read more below.
What exactly is the distinction between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?
A blockage is what causes a heart attack to occur. This condition arises when blood flow to the heart is restricted by a blocked artery. An electrical problem can cause cardiac arrest. The occurrence can happen really fast, and attention is key if you’re a witness. It takes place when rapid impulses that are not regular take control of the beat of your heart.
And here’s the thing that makes the difference between these two occurrences.
A heart attack is something that most people will survive, but the cardiac arrest is something that very few people make it through.
In contrast, cardiac arrest causes your heart to begin racing in a manner that is disordered and confusing. Also, the circulation of the blood is almost immediately interrupted. You lose consciousness, your breathing stops, and your pulse disappears. If your heart rhythm is not restored as quickly as possible, your brain will start to deteriorate from a lack of blood flow and oxygen unless you have it fixed as soon as feasible. Surviving a sudden cardiac arrest is extremely unlikely, with just around 10% of patients making it.
A heart attack, aka myocardial infarction, can be fatal. The arteries that feed blood to your heart are typically clogged due to the buildup of plaque. The muscular tissue in your heart might begin to die if it does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. If the blood supply to your heart is not restored as fast as possible, you run the risk of suffering irreversible damage or perhaps passing away as a result of the heart attack.
Quick action is required if you or someone else is having symptoms that might indicate a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Put in a call to 911 right away. The first people to arrive at the scene are trained to evaluate the situation and administer care while the patient is being transported to the hospital.
Signs and symptoms of a cardiac arrest
Symptoms of a cardiac arrest may include the following:
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Uneasy and rapid heartbeats
- Uneasy and shallow breaths
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Heart attack symptoms
Symptoms may include the following:
- Angina pectoris (chest discomfort)
- Difficulty with breathing
- Uneasy and shallow breaths
- Uneasy and rapid heartbeats
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- A feeling of sickness or indigestion
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
It is imperative that you take prompt action. Following five minutes after losing consciousness, brain damage caused by cardiac arrest begins, and cardiac arrest can be deadly if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is not initiated within the first eight minutes following the onset of the condition. Stay safe, and pay attention to the people around you!
