Cardiac Arrest versus Heart Attack – Know the Difference!

February is Heart Health month so let’s talk about the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem. The definition of a heart attack is when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Cardiac arrest is triggered when there’s an electrical malfunction in the heart and it starts beating erratically, also known as arrythmia. When this happens, the heart can’t pump enough blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs. It is a leading cause of death among thousands of people annually, with about 75% of cardiac arrests happening in the home.

When a person has a heart attack, they quickly become unresponsive, usually not breathing or gasping for air. It’s critical that CPR be administered quickly to improve their chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. This can double or even triple the chances of recovering from a cardiac arrest.

A heart attack is a “circulation” problem. Heart attacks happen when blood flow from an artery to the heart is blocked. A blocked artery prevents oxygen-enriched blood from reaching a portion of the heart. If the blockage isn’t cleared, that part of the heart will start to die.

Symptoms of a heart attack usually include intense discomfort in the chest or upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and/or nausea and possibly vomiting. Symptoms can suddenly occur but usually they start slowly and may persist for hours, days, or weeks before a heart attack occurs. Women may feel symptoms differently – their symptoms are usually shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Unlike a cardiac arrest, the heart usually doesn’t stop beating during a heart attack. However, the longer someone goes without treatment for a heart attack, the greater the damage to the heart.

If you suspect a heart attack, call emergency services right away so they can begin treatment when they arrive. Patients with chest pain that arrive by ambulance usually receive treatment faster at the hospital.

There is a link between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest. But when cardiac arrest occurs, a heart attack is usually the cause, which is why it’s important to seek treatment for a possible heart attack as quickly as possible.

Fast action can save a life. If you suspect that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call emergency medical services right away. If you know how to perform CPR and the person is unresponsive, begin administering CPR after calling for emergency medical services. For more information, please feel free to see me in the Wellness Center with any additional questions.