Understanding the Differences: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
Understanding the Differences: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
Cardiovascular emergencies can be potentially life-threatening events. A heart attack is a serious medical condition, but so is cardiac arrest. How do these two events differ? They are actually quite different in their causes, physiology, and outcomes. So, what are the differences between the two? Here are some explanations and descriptions of how these two cardiac issues are similar, but also different.
Cardiac Arrest
As depicted by its name, cardiac arrest is an occurrence in which the heart stops for a certain period of time. The cessation of function of the heart during cardiac arrest is due to an electrical disturbance in the heart. A loss of breathing and consciousness occurs in conjunction with cardiac arrest. During this period of time, blood is no longer pumped throughout the body.
Heart Attack
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is temporarily halted. This condition is typically caused by a blood clot or another type of blockage. Heart attacks can damage the heart muscle minimally or severely. During a heart attack, an individual usually doesn’t lose consciousness. Sometimes, patients may not even be aware that they are experiencing a heart attack.
What Are the Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden malfunction of the heart. During this event, the heart will stop beating. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Lack of Response
- Loss of Pulse
- Sudden Loss of Consciousness
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Back Pain
What Are the Symptoms of Heart Attack?
The symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person and are also different between men and women. The most common symptom is chest pain, which men or women may experience. The following are symptoms of a heart attack identified by gender:
Men
- Squeezing Chest Pressure or Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain
- Discomfort or Pain in the Arm
Women
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Jaw, Neck, or Back Pain
- Upset Stomach
- Fainting
- Indigestion
- Extreme Fatigue
What are the Risk Factors of Cardiac Arrest?
A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest. Other causes may be heart disorders, such as cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. An individual who has arrhythmia, an irregularity of the heart, may be at higher risk for cardiac arrest.
What are the Risk Factors for a Heart Attack?
In a heart attack, blood clots, or the build-up of plaque, also called atherosclerosis, cause blockages in the circulation system. This prevents blood from circulating to the arteries.
How are these Two Conditions Connected?
It is possible that a sudden cardiac arrest could occur after a heart attack. A heart attack will put a patient at higher risk for cardiac arrest. Sometimes, a heart attack will cause a patient to go into cardiac arrest, but it’s possible that it won’t.
Risk Factors for Both Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
Keeping a healthy heart is likely the most important thing an individual can do. What are some lifestyle choices that can put patients at risk for both cardiac arrest and heart attack?
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Birth Control Pills
Some other risk factors that aren’t lifestyle choices include the following:
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Family History
What About Strokes?
Is a stroke connected to either of these events? A stroke is more like a heart attack than cardiac arrest, but it differs from both. A stroke occurs when blood flow is cut off to the brain. So, like a heart attack, it is a circulation issue, but it involves the brain, not the heart.
Don’t Wait – Call 911
If you or a loved one has suffered either a heart attack or cardiac arrest, it is crucial to call 911 immediately and see an emergency care physician. Cardiac arrest is an event that requires a restart of the heart muscle, and this means CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator.
Cardiovascular Specialists of New England
At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, our cardiologists are leaders in their field. Our expertly trained specialists from top-ranked institutions utilize cutting-edge technology to treat our patients. We perform cardiac testing, vein and vascular intervention, heart valve procedures, cardiac rehabilitation, and more to make sure our patients are in the best possible heart health. Our medical team takes the time to assess each patient and create a personalized plan of care so our patients can enjoy life again. For more information, or if you have cardiology concerns, visit our website or contact us to make an appointment.
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