Heart Matters: The Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are two life-threatening conditions that are often confused with one another, but they are not synonymous. Although both are related to the heart, they refer to different conditions with different causes and symptoms.

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This lack of blood and oxygen causes part of the heart muscle to die, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and dizziness. In some cases, a heart attack may lead to cardiac arrest.

On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating properly due to an electrical problem. It can happen to anyone, even to those who are seemingly healthy, and is often caused by sudden force, such as blunt impact to the chest during sports activities. When cardiac arrest occurs, the person becomes completely unresponsive or may only be able to gasp for breath. Death can occur within minutes if intervention is not taken.

It is important to note that cardiac arrest is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. The American Heart Association recommends performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock the heart and restore its normal rhythm. If a heart attack is suspected, it is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest and other complications.

A heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different conditions with different causes and symptoms. While a heart attack is a circulatory problem caused by plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in which the heart suddenly stops beating. Understanding the difference between the two conditions is crucial, as early recognition and intervention can mean the difference between life and death. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that if two people are available to assist someone in cardiac arrest, one person should begin CPR compressions while the other calls for emergency assistance and attempts to locate an AED.