Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest: Understanding The Differences From An Expert

Understanding the distinctions between cardiac arrest and heart attack is crucial for prompt intervention and optimal outcomes.

Both conditions involve the heart, but they differ in their mechanisms, symptoms, and immediate actions required. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Jagjeet Deshmukh, Cardiologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, Pune explained the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest.

the video below about tips for a healthy heart:

Difference Between Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest

Heart Attack

A narrowing of the coronary artery, which provides the blood to the heart, is the cause of a heart attack. Since this happens when the heart’s muscles don’t receive enough blood to live, if treatment is not received, it might have a serious negative impact on the heart. Chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and sweating are a few of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

There are a few quick things one may do if they see someone having a heart attack: call for help, get them to the hospital straight immediately, and consider giving them an aspirin. Doctors use an ECG test to confirm heart attacks. Treatment options include medication, life-saving procedures like angioplasty, or the insertion of a catheter to start blood flow again.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is the abrupt cessation of the heart’s pumping action, leading to a stop in breathing. It may result from various causes, with a heart attack being a frequent precursor.

Immediate actions involve calling emergency services, initiating CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and, if available, using emergency injections or shocks. Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest typically manifests suddenly, causing the individual to collapse and lose consciousness.