Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Cardiovascular emergencies result in millions of deaths each year as heart disease continues to stand as one of the top causes of mortality on a global scale. 

The general public frequently uses heart attacks and cardiac arrests interchangeably even though these two medical conditions differ significantly. 

Well, the failure to differentiate between heart attack and cardiac arrest poses serious risks since the proper response and quick intervention depend on recognizing their differences. 

In other words, the identification of whether a person is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest dictates the necessary emergency actions and substantially affects their chances of survival. 

This blog today focuses on explaining the distinct differences between these two critical heart conditions as well as their severity. Understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest enables us to effectively respond to emergencies, which increases the likelihood of saving lives.

Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests are two unique cardiovascular emergencies that arise from different mechanisms and result in distinct symptoms and immediate outcomes.

A heart attack, known as myocardial infarction, takes place when a coronary artery is blocked by plaque buildup and a blood clot stops blood flow to heart muscle tissue. 

The obstruction stops oxygenated blood from reaching a section of the heart muscle, causing that section to begin dying unless blood flow is restored promptly. 

During a heart attack, the heart keeps beating but with abnormal rhythms. People experience a slow onset of symptoms including chest discomfort or pressure spreading to the arm, jaw, or back along with breathing difficulties and cold sweats plus nausea and light-headed feelings. These warning signs usually remain present for several minutes. 

Many patients confuse these symptoms with other health issues, which necessitates a consultation from the best cardiologist in Patna to get the necessary medical diagnosis on time.

On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart experiences an electrical malfunction which leads to an irregular heartbeat and disrupts its proper pumping function. 

During a cardiac arrest, the heart completely stops beating which ceases blood flow to crucial organs such as the brain and lungs alongside the heart itself. Cardiac arrest strikes unexpectedly without any prior signs unlike a heart attack. The affected individual becomes unconscious right away while their pulse becomes undetectable and normal breathing ceases (they may demonstrate gasping movements known as agonal breathing). 

Death can occur within minutes if CPR and sometimes defibrillation are not performed immediately.

There is a significant difference between heart attack symptoms and cardiac arrest symptoms when you compare how they appear and their onset sequence. Throughout the development of heart attack symptoms, the patient stays conscious and capable of expressing their discomfort. 

Cardiac arrest, on the contrary, results in instant unconsciousness. 

The basic distinction between these conditions explains why treatment approaches for each vary so greatly.

While distinct, these conditions are somewhat related. The electrical disturbances causing cardiac arrest can originate from a heart attack. Heart attacks frequently cause cardiac arrest, but not every heart attack results in cardiac arrest.

Which is More Dangerous: Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

Both conditions demand immediate medical intervention, but cardiac arrest poses a greater immediate threat to life than a heart attack does. The key difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest stems from the necessary intervention time window and existing survival statistics.

Survival rates from cardiac arrest reduce every minute that treatment is delayed. Death takes place within minutes if immediate CPR and defibrillation are not administered. 

Even survivors of cardiac arrest may develop neurological issues because of oxygen deprivation in the brain.

Heart attacks pose serious threats to life but generally allow more time for successful medical treatment compared to other cardiac events. 

If modern treatments are given within several hours after symptoms appear, they can restore heart blood flow which leads to a substantial reduction in mortality rates. Appropriate medical care allows most hospitalized heart attack patients to survive.

Seek Medical Diagnosis Before an Emergency!

Knowledge of the critical distinctions between heart attacks and cardiac arrest has life-saving potential. A heart attack develops when blood supply to heart muscle becomes obstructed which leads to chest pain and the patient remains conscious. 

However, cardiac arrest stems from an electrical malfunction that halts heart function which leads to instant loss of consciousness and the need for prompt CPR to avoid death. There are several potential causes of cardiac arrest which may include prior heart damage, congenital heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, drug use, and even complications from heart attacks.

Many people also wonder “Is cardiac arrest painful?” Well, the quick loss of consciousness during cardiac arrest prevents victims from feeling pain but any heart attack symptoms that may have occurred beforehand would be painful.

If you or someone you know has been showing signs of cardiac symptoms, you must seek immediate medical attention. People who have risk factors for heart disease or a family history of heart issues need regular cardiac evaluations as a preventive measure and to enable early treatment.

Big Apollo Spectra leads as the best hospital for heart in Patna by delivering full cardiac care through advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods. The experienced cardiologists on their team develop customized care plans to prevent and treat heart conditions. So, take charge of your heart health now by scheduling a cardiac evaluation today.