There are two terms that get used interchangeably when it comes to heart emergencies — heart attack and cardiac arrest. Both are serious and potentially life-threatening, but they are not the same. Knowing the difference can help you act more quickly in an emergency — potentially saving a life.
In this blog, we’ll discuss these two vital conditions, what causes them, their symptoms and what to do when you or someone close to you has them.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This obstruction is typically due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries. When the heart muscle is deprived of adequate blood flow, it begins to be damaged.
However, these findings don’t indicate the cause of the heart attack.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The leading cause of heart attacks, which occurs when arteries narrow due to the buildup of plaque.
Blood Clots: A clot can develop in a narrowed artery and then abruptly block blood flow.
Spasms in the Artery: A coronary artery rarely can spasm and limit blood flow even without plaque.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of a heart attack can be mild or severe, gradual or sudden. Common signs include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest (a squeezing, pressure-like feeling)
- Pain that radiates to the arms, jaw, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light headedness or dizziness
Women might have more atypical symptoms, like unusual fatigue or indigestion or a burning sensation in the upper back.
What to Do If You Have a Heart Attack.
Dial Emergency Helpline Number Without Delay: Call emergency services 112 (or 102 in India) immediately.
Stay calm, and keep the person at rest: You want to avoid unnecessary movement to decrease the heart’s workload.
Chew Aspirin (if authorized by a doctor): It helps them thin the blood and improve circulation.
Start CPR If the Person Loses Consciousness: If the person collapses and is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
Seeing a heart doctor in delhi is best solution to evaluate the risk of the chest discomfort you may have and to avoid the serious event.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Arrhythmia is a sudden electrical glitch in the heart that causes it to halt effective beating. Whereas a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, cardiac arrest is an issue with the heart’s electrical system, causing an instant loss of heart function.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of Irregular Heartbeats (arrhythmias).
It can cause a heart attack: It can cause the heart’s electrical activity to be disturbed and lead to arrest.
Heart Failure or Cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle isn’t strong enough to pump blood correctly.
Congenital Heart Disease: Particularly in younger people and athletes.
Electrolyte Abnormalities: Low potassium or magnesium levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Drug Overdose or Severe Trauma, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Unlike the gradual symptoms of a heart attack, cardiac arrest symptoms are sudden and dramatic:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse or heartbeat
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
What Should You Do if Someone Has a Cardiac Arrest?
An individual in cardiac arrest requires immediate action — every moment matters.
Call Emergency Medical Help (112/102)
Start CPR right away: If the person has crossed by you and you are cognizant, quickly begin serrated compressions.
Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): AEDs send an electric shock to reset the heart’s rhythm.
Perform CPR Until Emergency Help Arrives: The sooner CPR is initiated, the better the chances for survival.
It is important to seek the care of the best heart doctor in Delhi after any cardiac event to understand the underlying risks and prevent its future occurrence.
Key Differences Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
- Cause
Heart Attack :- Blocked blood flow to the heart muscle
Cardiac Arrest :- Electrical malfunction causing the heart to stop
- Main Symptom
Heart Attack :- Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea
Cardiac Arrest :- Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing
- Onset
Heart Attack :- Gradual – symptoms may appear over hours/days
Cardiac Arrest :- Sudden – occurs without warning
- Consciousness
Heart Attack :- Usually conscious but in distress
Cardiac Arrest :- Immediate loss of consciousness
- Response Needed
Heart Attack :- Emergency medical help, aspirin, rest
Cardiac Arrest :- CPR and defibrillation (AED) immediately
Why Quick Action Matters
Both situations are medical emergencies. Severe (but not 100% shutting down) arrhythmias come with time before death, and other conditions like pulmonary embolism and stroke are not instantly deadly, although they can kill quickly (but you can live a bit longer in the present moment). Unlike a heart attack, which has a limited timeframe for intervention before it progresses to complications such as cardiac arrest,
Knowing how to identify these conditions and react accordingly could mean the difference between life and death.
People who have already had the heart problems can take preventive measures when they consult a heart doctor in Delhi regularly, especially if they stay active in their professional and lifestyle as they have identical factors like blood pressure, diabetes, heart activity, cholesterol levels, etc.
Preventing Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest
Although some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be modified, there are numerous ways to reduce your risk:
- Heart-Healthy Diet
- Much more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Steer clear of: Trans fats, excess sugar, and processed foods.
- Stay Active
- Exercise for a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
- Weight training and yoga can also promote heart health.
- Stop Smoking and Reduce Drinking
- Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Manage Stress
- Chronic stress is a deterrent to high blood pressure and cardiac problems.
- Activities such as meditation, deep breathing and maintaining consistent sleep can help.
- Regular Health Check-ups
Therefore, visiting a best heart doctor in Delhi for a regular screening can help identify a problem before it can become serious.
Conclusion
It’s essential that everyone knows the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Both are serious conditions, but they require different responses. A heart attack is a plumbing problem (blocked artery), while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem (a stopped heartbeat).
If you or your family have a history of heart condition, it’s best to visit the best heart doctor in Delhi to know more on risk factors, preventive care, and emergency preparedness.
Your heart’s health is in your hands — know the signs, take preventive steps and always be ready to act.
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