We have often heard people using the terms Cardiac arrest and Heart attack interchangeably, but they are not synonyms. A heart attack usually occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart fails to function and unexpectedly stops pumping. A major difference between the two is – Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” issue, whereas a heart attack is a “circulation” issue.

Let us jump into details, starting from basic

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when a barred artery stops oxygen-rich blood from entering a portion of the heart. If the artery that is blocked is not treated and reopened soon, the portion of the heart generally nourished by that artery starts to succumb. If a person goes on without proper medication and treatment for a long time, the bigger the harm is done.

Indications of a heart attack can be sudden and serious. More frequently, though, warnings begin gradually and remain for hours, days, weeks, and sometimes even longer before the patient experiences the heart attack. Contrary to sudden cardiac arrest, the heart normally does not cease to beat during a heart attack. However, heart attack signs can differ in females and males. 

Let us know about cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly and always without symptoms and warning. It is aroused by an electrical dysfunction in the heart that results in an unstable heartbeat (arrhythmia). With a disrupted pumping activity, the heart stops pumping blood to the lungs, brain, and different organs. Moments after, an individual loses consciousness and has no pulse. Demise happens within moments if the patient does not get access to immediate treatment. 

Hence both are different conditions and require different meent and require different medical treatments. So, next time when you hear people using the terms interchangeably you know what to do right?

What is the connection between the two?

These two different heart ailments are, however, correlated. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen after a heart attack or during the process of healing.  Heart attacks intensify the danger of sudden cardiac arrest. Largely heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest. Still, when sudden cardiac arrest hits, a heart attack is a common reason. Other heart ailments can also disturb the heart’s tempo and head to immediate cardiac arrest. 

Quick action can save lives. Find out what to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Quick action can save the lives of many patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, to provide premium treatment to the patients with sudden cardiac arrest Gujarat Superspeciality hospital has a special cardiac care department with a proper emergency ward, along with the experienced and well-trained medical staff.