Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The Differences

Imagine if one is out for dinner and suddenly a person sitting next to them clutches their chest and falls from the chair, collapsing to the ground. While many people will say the person suffered a heart attack, others might believe it to be a cardiac arrest. It's common to use the terms "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" interchangeably. However, in actuality, they are distinct, typically with different causes and requiring a different response.

This blog is drafted by taking insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgery doctor in Delhi who practices at a multi-speciality hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. In this blog, he has shared key points about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Along with that, he has also discussed how to recognize each and what to do if someone in our family suffers from one.

Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest are Considered Different

A heart attack occurs if the artery (blood vessel) that supplies blood to the heart tissue becomes blocked. The heart typically continues to beat despite this, which results in a lack of oxygen, the death of cardiac cells, and symptoms like chest pain. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, refers to when the heart stops beating. Heart attacks can sometimes result in cardiac arrest, but there are numerous other reasons why this can happen. When the heart stops pumping the brain and other organs and tissues with blood and oxygen, this is called cardiac arrest. It could be caused by anything that can make the heart stop beating, i.e., some severe heart attacks. Cardiac arrest may also result from a heart attack. However, heart attacks are not the only reason for cardiac arrests.

Most Heart Attacks are Not Associated With a Cardiac Arrest

Although cardiac arrest may occur from a heart attack, most do not. The blockage that results in a heart attack might happen suddenly, but the narrowing of the heart's arteries that leads to the obstruction usually takes place over a longer period of time. High blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle choices increase the risk of the narrowing of blood vessels. When people exert themselves, chest pain is caused by restricted blood flow, which worsens as the narrowing becomes severe. Individuals would experience chest pain if they exerted themselves, which occurs due to restricted blood flow.

Angina indicates blockages but does not involve active damage to the heart muscles. If the pain does not go away, it points towards a heart attack. To seek medical attention from a cardiologist, it would be best to consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India.

What are the Signs of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Following are the symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea or indigestion
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Following are the symptoms of a cardiac arrest:

• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Both Medical Emergencies?

The fact that both cardiac arrests and heart attacks are life-threatening and need medical intervention is one thing they have in common. A heart attack is not like a stroke. Individuals who suffer from a heart attack should always have an ambulance to take them to the hospital instead of driving themselves.

For cardiac arrest, one must ensure that medical help is on the way as soon as possible. CPR, i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should be immediately started and should not be delayed.

Summary

There are several differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs if the blood supply to part of the heart stops and causes a part of the heart muscle to die. A cardiac arrest, however, happens when the heart stops beating altogether. The signs of a heart attack can vary. The primary signs of a cardiac arrest, in contrast, are unconsciousness, absence of breathing, and no pulse. Finally, there are numerous different causes of cardiac arrest, whereas coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks.

So, now that you have understood the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, if one seeks guidance on heart surgeries, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar. Over the years, he has performed several life-saving heart procedures, such as bypass surgeries, aortic surgery, HOCM, heart transplants, and many more. For more details, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi, India today.