Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?

0
654

Many people use the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest interchangeably, but they’re actually two very different — and equally serious — medical emergencies. Knowing the difference can save a life and help you respond appropriately in a crisis.

In this article, we’ll break down what sets these conditions apart, what causes them, and what to do when either occurs.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Without blood flow, part of the heart begins to die.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or fullness)

  • Pain in the arms, jaw, neck, or back

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea or lightheadedness

  • Cold sweat

A person experiencing a heart attack is usually still conscious and breathing, though they may be in extreme discomfort.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether due to an electrical malfunction. As a result, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops almost immediately.

Signs of cardiac arrest:

  • Sudden collapse

  • No pulse

  • No breathing

  • Loss of consciousness

Cardiac arrest happens without warning and is immediately life-threatening. It requires CPR and defibrillation (using an AED) within minutes to prevent death.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Heart Attack Cardiac Arrest
Cause Blocked blood flow to the heart Electrical failure causes heart to stop beating
Symptoms Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing
Consciousness Often conscious Always unconscious
Emergency Response Call 911, give aspirin, stay calm Call 911, start CPR, use an AED if available

How They’re Connected

A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if the damage disrupts the heart’s electrical system. However, not all heart attacks result in cardiac arrest, and not all cardiac arrests are caused by heart attacks (they can also be due to arrhythmias, trauma, or drug overdose).

Prevention and Risk Management

Preventing both heart attacks and cardiac arrest involves managing your cardiovascular health:

  • Quit smoking

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

  • Manage stress effectively

Men experiencing heart-related complications like erectile dysfunction often find it linked to poor blood flow — sometimes treated with medications such as Fildena extra power 150 — but the root issue is often cardiovascular. Taking steps to protect your heart can prevent both ED and more serious complications like heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Final Thoughts

While heart attack and cardiac arrest are different, both are medical emergencies that require quick action. Knowing how to spot the signs — and respond — could save your life or someone else’s. Stay informed, take care of your heart, and never ignore the warning signs.

Cerca
Categorie
Leggi di più
Health
Blue Laser Technology in the Copper Industry Market
Blue Laser Technology in the Copper Industry Market: Advancements and Opportunities...
Di balajikal 2024-11-16 11:33:30 0 3K
Shopping
電子煙新手指南:掌握正確使用方式,提升體驗!
如果你是電子煙新手,學會正確的使用方式能讓你更快適應,並獲得更好的體驗。以下是一些 「可做」與「不可做」 的重要建議,幫助你順利過渡!立即體驗電子煙線上購買服務。蝦皮熱賣電子煙品牌!...
Di Charlotte02 2025-07-18 01:21:52 0 289
Giochi
**"Los Precios de Jugadores en FC25: Guía Completa para Conocer el Precio de Jugadores FC 25"**
Los Precios de Jugadores en FC25: Guía Completa para Conocer el Precio de Jugadores FC 25...
Di Casey 2025-04-09 07:28:32 0 991
Giochi
Buy FC 26 Coins: The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing FIFA FUT Coins for Your Team
Buy FC 26 Coins: The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing FIFA FUT Coins for Your Team Are you ready to...
Di Casey 2025-07-31 17:42:06 0 59
Giochi
Guida Completa ai Prezzi dei Giocatori FC 25: Scopri come Scegliere i Migliori Talenti per la Tua Squadra
Guida Completa ai Prezzi dei Giocatori FC 25 Avere successo in FC 25 richiede non solo...
Di Casey 2025-03-22 22:41:15 0 1K