Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
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People often use the terms cardiac arrest and heart attack interchangeably — but they are not the same. Both are serious heart conditions, yet they differ in cause, symptoms, and immediate response required. Understanding the difference can help save lives.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or plaque in the coronary arteries. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, causing damage to the affected area.
If not treated quickly, parts of the heart muscle can become permanently damaged. However, during a heart attack, the heart usually continues to beat.
What Is a Cardiac Arrest?
A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. This is an electrical malfunction that disrupts the heart’s rhythm, causing it to stop pumping blood to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs.
When cardiac arrest occurs, the person loses consciousness and stops breathing almost immediately. Without prompt emergency treatment — such as CPR or defibrillation — cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes.
How They Are Connected
While they are different, a heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest. For example, if a large portion of the heart muscle is damaged during a heart attack, it can lead to dangerous arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that may result in cardiac arrest.
Conclusion
A heart attack is a circulation problem, while a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. Both require urgent medical attention, but cardiac arrest is immediately life-threatening and needs instant emergency response.
At Emerge Medical Travel, we believe that awareness saves lives. Understanding these differences and acting quickly during an emergency can make all the difference in preserving heart health and preventing tragedy.