Link Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Introduction

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same conditions and require different medical management. These two conditions are serious medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. A cardiac arrest is a sudden event where the patient’s heart stops beating, and there is no pulse and no breathing.

A heart attack is not a sudden event, but the person experiences pain, shortness of breath, and becomes sweaty. Heart attacks are caused by blockage of blood flow in the vessels and are not fully due to heart-associated problems.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is an emergency condition where the heart stops beating and puts the organ and whole body at risk of death. A life-threatening condition where the heart is not pumping blood anymore, the blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital parts.

Cardiac arrest occurs due to arrhythmias, preventing the pumping action of blood. A person might experience a sudden cardiac arrest if they:

• Suddenly collapse.

• Loss of consciousness.

• Not breathing or gasping for air.

• Not responding to calls.

• No pulse.

The major cause is ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia; both are types of arrhythmia. The risk factors for cardiac arrest include

• Coronary heart disease.

• Heart valve disease.

• Congenital heart defect.

It can also occur in a person without any history of heart disease.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is a clinical condition where the flow of blood is reduced severely or blocked. The narrowing of blood vessels due to the accumulation of fat cholesterol or other substances in the arteries causes a heart attack. Plaque is called fatty cholesterol-containing deposits, and the process of black accumulation is called atherosclerosis.

The symptoms of heart attack vary from person to person and can range from mild to moderate symptoms. In some people, heart attack shows no symptoms.

The common symptoms include

• Chest pain, feeling the pressure, chest tightness, and aching pain.

• Pain spreads to the shoulder, neck, back, and jaw.

• Cold sweat.

• Fatigue.

• Heartburn.

• Dizziness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Nausea.

What Are the Differences Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

• A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries is blocked, and muscles are devoid of the blood supply. It needs timely treatment; if not, the tissues begin to die due to an insufficient oxygen supply.

• Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood across the body, and normal breathing also stops.

• Cardiac arrest in adults occurs due to a heart attack.

• A person with a heart attack develops a dangerous heart rhythm which can lead to cardiac arrest.

• In a heart attack, the symptoms could start slow, immediate, or intense. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and the heart does not stop beating during a heart attack.

• Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly without any warning signs. The patient loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if not getting emergency treatment.

How Are Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack Connected?

These two conditions are linked.

• A sudden cardiac arrest can occur following a heart attack or during the period of recovery.

• Heart attack increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

• Multiple heart attacks do not suddenly lead to cardiac arrest, but when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, a heart attack is a major course.

• Other heart conditions can change the heart rhythm and lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The conditions include

  • Cardiomyopathy.
  • Heart failure.
  • Arrhythmias.
  • Long Q-T syndrome.
  • Ventricular fibrillation.

What Is the Severity of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Both conditions are medical emergencies and life-threatening. Cardiac arrest is more severe as it causes death if no proper medical care is provided. Heart attack is a less immediate but serious condition, and timely treatment is important.

Both conditions should be treated at the earliest to prevent major complications and death. Check for any signs like just pain or fainting. Any risk factors should be noticed and treated.

How to Differentiate Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

• The three major signs of cardiac arrest are loss of consciousness, lack of pulse, and no breathing.

• Other symptoms like dizziness or chest pain can be a sign of other conditions like a heart attack.

• In a heart attack, the characteristic signs include radiating pain, feeling faint, jaw, or neck discomfort.

• Other symptoms like shortness of breath and sweating may also be associated with heart attack but not always with cardiac arrest.

• Unlike in cardiac arrest, the heart does not stop beating during a heart attack.

• It is important to look for all the symptoms before making a diagnosis.

How to Manage Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack?

Acting quickly is the key factor in both emergencies. This improves the chances of survival. There are some differences in managing both conditions; however, emergency management is important.

• If experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, call for help immediately.

• Do not drive; seek help.

• Chewing Aspirin helps reduce blood clots, and circulation is improved.

• If possible, call the doctor or caregiver and explain the symptoms.

• Chest compression sometimes helps during a heart attack.

• According to the American Heart Association, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be done in a heart attack. It helps to save lives in cases of cardiac arrest but cannot reverse the damage caused by a heart attack.

• In cardiac arrest, survival depends on how fast the patient receives CPR. In adults, check patient responsiveness, call for help, and immediately start CPR.

• Continue with CPR until the emergency service arrives or the patient regains consciousness and starts normal breathing.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are medical emergency conditions with similarities but not the same. It is important to identify the symptoms to conclude whether it is a heart attack or cardiac arrest. The management also depends upon the clinical symptoms. Action should be quick and prompt, which helps save the life of the patient. In cardiac arrest, hands-only CPR improves the chance of survival. In a heart attack, call for help, rush to a hospital immediately.