The Key Differences: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack Explained

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are both serious medical emergencies related to the heart, but they have distinct differences in terms of their causes, symptoms, and immediate treatment. Here’s an explanation of the key differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack:

Cardiac Arrest:

• Cause: Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. It is typically caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts its normal rhythm. This can be due to conditions like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
• Symptoms: In most cases, cardiac arrest happens suddenly and without warning. The person will lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no detectable pulse. They may collapse and show no signs of responsiveness.
• Immediate Treatment: Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately, along with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver an electric shock to the heart.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):

• Cause: A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage or reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. This blockage is often caused by the formation of a blood clot at the site of a narrowed or partially blocked artery due to atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque).
• Symptoms: The symptoms of a heart attack can vary but commonly include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, and pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. Some people, particularly women, may experience atypical symptoms such as indigestion, fatigue, or upper abdominal discomfort.
• Immediate Treatment: Prompt medical attention is crucial for a heart attack. Emergency medical services should be called immediately. Treatment may involve medications to dissolve the blood clot (thrombolytics), angioplasty with stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

In summary, cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, often resulting from an electrical problem in the heart, whereas a heart attack is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. While cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR and the use of an AED, a heart attack requires emergency medical attention to restore blood flow to the heart. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of both conditions and seek appropriate medical help as quickly as possible.