Is heart attack same as cardiac arrest?
When it comes to heart-related emergencies, confusion often arises between two terminology: heart attack and cardiac arrest. Many people use the terms interchangeably, while others may not understand the true meaning of each. In reality, a heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction) is a specific condition that differentiates from cardiac arrest (sudden cardiac arrest). In this article, we will delve deeper into the definitions, signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of both conditions to bring clarity to this often-understood topic.
So, is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest?
No
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked (ischemia) causing damage to the heart muscles. This blockage commonly occurs due to the plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which can lead to a blood clot. Over time, the plaque forms a hard, fibrotic cap that can rupture, causing rapid blood clotting blockage of the artery that supplies blood to the affected area. A small area of the heart typically dies as a result, leading to a heart attack.
On the other hand, cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly resulting in the sudden stop of the heart and the collapse of the system. Cardiac arrest is often caused by other factors such as:
- Electrical disturbances, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation;
- Structural Heart Problems, like ventricular septal defects and endocarditis;
- Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances; or
- Toxin exposure.
So, what are the immediate signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest?
- Unresponsiveness
- Inability to breathe
- No pulse or pulse extremely weak
- No sign of circulation (no face flushing, no pupils expanding)
- Cardiac arrest**
How are heart attack and cardiac arrest diagnosed differently?
The diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
- Medical history interview
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider
- Laboratory tests, such as:
- Electrolyte levels
- Blood chemistry
- Cardiac enzymes (ST-segment elevation, Creatine kinase-MB assay)
Imaging tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG
- Chest X-Ray
- ECHO (Echocardiogram)
- Advanced imaging tests (MRI-angiography, CT myocardial perfusion imaging)
How are heart attacks and cardiac arrests treated differenly?
Effective treatment is crucial in differentiating between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Since a heart attack is blockage-related, treatment might involve:
- Morphine administration in severe cases
- PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) techniques, such as angioplasty and stenting to restore blood flow quickly
- Antiplatelets and anticoagulation therapy to prevent further formation of blood clots; and
- Aspiration thrombectomy, aiming to remove blood clots caused by plaque rupture
Emergency treatment for cardiac arrest include:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), applying chest compressions and positive pressure ventilation
*Defibrillation,** using an automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator - Stabilization and oxygen supplement
- Intercostal thoracic defibrillation
- Continuous monitoring and further evaluation if the patient’s condition resolves
In conclusion
While both heart attack and cardiac arrest are pressing medical emergencies, they each have distinct characteristics and clinical presentations. A heart attack is a blockage-oriented condition, while cardiac arrest is a sudden and devastating event that requires immediate identification and intervention. By identifying the signs, symptoms and diagnosis, and treatment can be tailored to the actual condition, resulting in lifesaving outcomes.
