It is common for the two phrases to be used synonymously but they are not the same. A heart attack occurs when blood flow is shut down due to a blocked artery. Cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical malfunction of the heart causes the heart to stop beating. Despite the differences between these two events, they can both be fatal.
A person having a heart attack is usually conscious but are still experiencing a medical emergency. A heart attack is usually caused by a clot or a clogged artery starving the heart of oxygen. If the artery is not cleared quickly the muscle, lacking oxygen, will begin to die. Symptoms of a heart attack include sudden onset of chest pain, which then spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach; feeling sick, sweaty, or light headed; or shortness of breath. Other signs of heart disease include swollen ankles and fatigue. Some people experience pain and the symptoms differently, and these symptoms can develop over weeks before the actual heart attack so it is important to pay attention as much as possible for the warning signs.
Cardiac arrest is usually instant and recognizable right away. It is caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart; so instead of a regular heartbeat, the heart starts to spasm or ‘fibrillate’. A victim will be unconscious, unresponsive, and can be either breathing normally, gasping for breath, or not breathing at all. Symptoms of a cardiac arrest require immediate treatment or the victim will die. CPR should be used to keep the blood pressure up while obtaining a defibrillator that is needed to restart the heart. Cardiac arrest can be triggered by unmanaged heart diseases, drug overdose, severe hemorrhaging (loss of blood), hypoxia (low blood oxygen), and/or electrocution.
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if left untreated. A person in cardiac arrest will die within minutes without the continued circulation of blood flow to the brain. CPR and AEDs are important tools designed to help anyone provide aid during such an emergency. A life can be saved within five minutes if we respond quickly and provide care until emergency professionals arrive.
Check out our link to know more about CPR Training and how to get certified.
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Whats the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Differences
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
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