What’s the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack?
Two common cardiovascular-related terms are often used interchangeably: cardiac arrest and heart attack. However, they have distinct meanings, and it’s essential to understand the differences to effectively respond in case of emergencies.
Defining Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
- Heart Attack:
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, either partially or totally, restricting oxygen delivery to the cardiac tissue. This occurs when a coronary artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart, is blocked due to buildup of fat, cholesterol, or plaque.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), around 690,000 hearts attacks occur each year in the United States, leading to about 34.4 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Symptoms of heart attack often include:
• Chest pain or discomfort that may feel heavy, pressuring, tight, or crushing
• Discomfort that spreads to arms, legs, and the back or stomach
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), feeling very tired, feeling lightheaded (dizzy) or
• Nausea (feeling seasick or queasy)
• Vomiting, anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite or indigestion
A heart attack may not cause immediate loss of consciousness; however, delay in seeking medical help can worsen symptoms, leading to cardiac tissue death (infarction).
Cardiac Arrest:
Cardiac arrest, often referred to as sudden cardiac death (SCD), occurs when the heart experiences a loss of its coordinated pumping functions. Without a stable heart rhythm or pulse, the circulatory system becomes unable to supply adequate oxygen to other vital organs and tissues, leading to immediate loss of consciousness ( cardiac arrest often precedes a heart attack).
Approximately 2,475 sudden cardiac death cases are reported each week in the United States alone. * Sudden death from * cardiac arrest outside a medical setting is particularly high; approximately, 71.5 % of adult cases occur beyond the health care setting. Within medical settings, the occurrence rate is remarkably lower.
When cardiac arrest occurs due to a coronary event in the majority of instances (85 – 92% of), this is linked to prior damage from past heart disease and a severe blockage that disrupts blood supply . Furthermore, various electrophysiology or arrhythmic diseases may potentially trigger these emergencies in a large part (18 – 34% of overall occurrences). Another possible catalyst can be electrocution from electrical improperly positioned medical electrical cardioversion. There’s also electrolyte imbalance*
Difference in Symptoms
☀ What’s common? Both occur with discomfort (chest discomfort or symptoms spreading to legs, stomach, and chest). Not similar symptoms – cardiac attack occurs when partial or no oxygen is circulated, it triggers cardiac emergency; meanwhile heart attack will trigger short of breath after blood blocked heart. Some signs fatigue, weight loss may differ in that in* heart blockage with shortness can occur immediately following heart assault; when oxygen-rich.
