Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest. Are they the same or different?

People often think that a heart attack is the same thing as a cardiac arrest. This, however, is not true. To understand the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, it is first necessary to understand what happens in both of these processes. What is a heart attack?

The heart is a muscle, and like all muscles, it requires an oxygen-rich blood supply. This is provided to the heart by coronary arteries. A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage of the coronary arteries. This is often caused by a blood clot. Such a blockage, if not quickly resolved, can cause parts of the heart muscle to begin to die (Myocardial Infarction).

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. In a cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating; whereas in a heart attack the heart normally continues to beat even though the blood supply to the heart is disrupted. Symptoms of a heart attack and cardiac arrest In addition to the physiological mechanism being different, the symptoms of a heart attack and a cardiac arrest also vary.

Symptoms of a heart attack include: Chest pain – this is often a feeling of tightness in the center of the chest which may last for several minutes and will not decrease upon resting (although the most common symptom of a heart attack, not all patients having a heart attack will experience chest pain) Spreading of chest pain to other areas, most commonly to the arms, jaw, neck, back, and abdomen Shortness of breath Coughing Wheezing Feeling or being sick Anxiety Light-headedness or dizziness Sweating Weakness Palpitations (noticeable heartbeats)

Symptoms of a cardiac arrest include: Sudden loss of consciousness/responsiveness No breathing No pulse The lack of pulse is caused by the heart-stopping during a cardiac arrest. As a consequence of this, the organs of the body are deprived of blood – this can lead to death. The following warning signs may also occur in the period before a cardiac arrest: Chest pain Shortness of breath Weakness Dizziness Palpitations Nausea Causes of heart attacks and cardiac arrests Cardiac arrests have several potential causes. These include: Ventricular fibrillation – an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) where the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) beat irregularly Ventricular tachycardia Coronary heart disease Changes in the heart structure Pacemaker failure Respiratory arrest Choking Drowning Electrocution Hypothermia The dramatic drop in blood pressure Drug abuse Excessive alcohol consumption An unknown reason

A cardiac arrest can also be caused by a heart attack. A heart attack itself involves a cut-off in the blood supply to part of the heart muscle. If a large enough portion of the heart is affected, then the heart may stop beating, i.e. a cardiac arrest may occur.

But what causes heart attacks? Well, in contrast to cardiac arrests, heart attacks are generally caused by one main factor – coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a condition that is generally caused by fatty deposits building up in the coronary arteries, which provide oxygenated blood to the heart. This is also known as atherosclerosis. Those most at risk of CHD include: Smokers Those who eat an unhealthy diet – one that is high in saturated fat Those with high blood pressure Those with diabetes Overweight or obese people People who do not exercise frequently Older people, in particular, older men Those with a family history of heart disease People who have been exposed to air pollution, particularly traffic pollution People with CHD may experience a heart attack if a plaque, (a raised patch on the artery wall) splits and causes a blood clot which in turn blocks the coronary artery.

What can be done when an individual experiences a heart attack?

In this case, the patient should be rushed to the hospital and undergo an ECG. This scan helps identify and confirm if the patient experienced a heart attack. Post confirmation, they can opt for the right course of treatment for them, as recommended.

There are two treatments available post-heart attack, blood clot dissolving/blood clot-buster medication. This should be given through the veins (intravenously). The second treatment option is undergoing an immediate angioplasty or stinting. Here the patient is immediately within 30 minutes of arrival will undergo the surgery.

For patients who have experienced an acute heart attack, it has been seen that if treated within the 60-90 minutes post the episode, the survival rates for the patients increase as much as 4 to 5 times. Hence this window of 60-90 minutes post a heart attack is termed as the golden hour.

What to do during a sudden cardiac arrest?

If a patient with sudden cardiac arrest suddenly collapses, in this situation, the person has to be laid down on the floor immediately and their pulse needs to be checked immediately. If no pulse is detected, they should be given CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). If there is a possibility of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), it can be used on the patient. An AED is sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Are chances of sudden cardiac arrest high in the younger generation?

If a young individual has experienced a heart attack, their chances of a sudden cardiac arrest are higher than those who have one in a later stage in their life. In the young patients, it is a sudden shock to the heart, however, for elderly patients, it is a gradual process so sometimes these patients do not develop an SCA despite blockages in 2-3 arteries.

What should be done to avoid a sudden cardiac problem?

• Avoid Smoking

• An active lifestyle

• Walks

• Checking blood pressure regularly

• Checking cholesterol regularly

• People with uncontrolled diabetes, taking medications religiously

• Addressing and reducing stress, anxiety.

Summary

In summary, there is a difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart stops and thus causes a section of the heart muscle to begin to die; whereas a cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating as a whole. There are various symptoms of a heart attack. In contrast, the main symptoms of a cardiac arrest are unconsciousness, lack of breathing, and no pulse. Finally, there are many different causes of a cardiac arrest; whereas the main cause of a heart attack is coronary heart disease.