What is the difference between a Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack?

Knowing the precise difference between a cardiac arrest and heart attack is important to effectively manage medical emergencies. These two terms are often used interchangeably, hence many people assume that they are synonymous to each other. But Cardiac arrest is actually quite different from a heart attack. These two emergencies have their own characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis. According to a report by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, a precise diagnosis of the condition can significantly impact patient outcomes.

One crisp difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack is that the heart completely stops functioning during a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is also called Myocardial Infarction and this happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. In this case tissue damage takes place. So in this blog, we will explore the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack.

 

What’s the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack?

 

In the table mentioned below, you will find the core points separating a Cardiac Arrest from Heart Attack.

 

Aspect	Cardiac Arrest	Heart Attack
Definition	Sudden loss of heart function, often leading to unconsciousness and stoppage of breathing	Blockage in blood flow to the heart, causing damage to heart muscle tissue
Cause	Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), often stemming from electrical malfunctions	Blockage or narrowing of coronary arteries, typically due to plaque buildup
Symptoms	Abrupt loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing, sometimes preceded by chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea	Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and lightheadedness
Treatment	Immediate CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) followed by defibrillation, and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support)	Medications (such as aspirin and clot-busters), angioplasty, stent placement, bypass surgery
Prognosis	Immediate medical attention crucial; survival rates vary depending on response time and underlying cause	Prompt treatment improves outcomes; damage to heart muscle can lead to complications or death if left untreated

 

Read More: Pediatric Anesthesia and the need for PALS

 

What are the steps of intervention when someone suffers a heart attack?

 

When someone experiences a heart attack, prompt intervention is critical. This minimizes the damage to the heart muscles. It also improves the individual’s chances of survival. Understanding the steps of intervention can empower bystanders and healthcare professionals to a great extent. Below are the steps of a heart attack intervention-

 

Recognize Symptoms:

Familiarize yourself with common symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats.

Call Emergency Services:

Dial emergency services (such as 911) immediately upon suspecting a heart attack to ensure swift medical assistance.

Administer Aspirin:

If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, provide them with a chewable aspirin (usually 325 mg) to help reduce blood clot formation.

Assist with Medications:

If prescribed and available, assist the individual in taking any prescribed medications for heart conditions, such as nitroglycerin.

Support Comfortably:

Help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position, preferably with their knees bent if experiencing chest discomfort.

Monitor Vital Signs:

Keep a close watch on the person’s vital signs, including their pulse and breathing, while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

Be Prepared for CPR:

If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally, be prepared to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until professional help arrives.

Provide Information:

Share any relevant medical history or information about the individual’s condition with emergency responders to aid in their assessment and treatment.

Read More: Children and Chronic Bronchitis: Effective Steps to Manage It

 

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a cardiac arrest and heart attack helps make confident and competent decisions in the face of crisis. While both the conditions involve the heart, the core differences lie in the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Cardiac arrest refers to the loss of heart function and heart attacks result from blocked blood flow. Even though both the conditions are equally time sensitive, without timely intervention, it can quickly turn fatal. So stay ahead of these emergencies and know the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest. With proper knowledge on cardiac health, individuals can adapt to these critical emergencies to cultivate a safer and more prepared community.