Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack

We frequently encounter phrases like It was a heart attack and "he died of cardiac arrest," both of which relate to heart problems. Despite their common usage, these terms are not interchangeable and describe different conditions. Are there any similarities between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, or do they differ fundamentally? Let’s examine each term to uncover their distinctions and similarities.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot or plaque build-up in an artery. Since the heart muscle needs oxygen to survive, the muscle begins to contract when blood flow is blocked. The person begins to feel pressure in the chest or might experience shortness of breath or fatigue several weeks before the heart attack.

Warning Signs of Heart Attack?

Don`t wait to get help if you experience these warning signs of a heart attack. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body if you experience the below things

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is one of the most common heart conditions that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This is when the heart suddenly stops beating. Since our heartbeat is controlled by electrical impulses, when these impulses change the rhythm, the heart rhythm can become irregular, leading to arrhythmia. When the heart stops, it leads to fatality.

Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest

For many people, cardiac arrest occurs without any warning signs. However, some people experience warning signs before the heart stops. These may include:

Someone who has already had a cardiac arrest will be:

Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Citations

Frequently Asked Questions