Know the difference to save a life

A heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest are both serious medical emergencies, but they are different conditions. Understanding the difference between the two can help save a life. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A cardiac arrest on the other hand is an electrical malfunction that hampers the heart’s ability to pump properly.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as MI or myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to the heart is obstructed, usually because of plaque (fat, cholesterol, etc) buildup in the coronary arteries. The obstruction hinders oxygen supply to the heart, resulting in tissue damage, sometimes even fatality.

Symptoms of heart attack

Chest pain or discomfort
A feeling of squeezing or fullness
Pain in arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
Breathlessness
Cold sweats
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Nausea or vomiting
Diabetics, women or the elderly might present with atypical symptoms like severe exhaustion, a feeling of indigestion or an undefined discomfort.

Causes and risk factors for heart attack

While CAD or coronary artery disease is the leading cause, risk factors include:

Poor diet choice (lots of saturated and trans fats, etc)
A sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
High blood pressure
Obesity or diabetes
Uncontrolled stress
Family history of CAD

What to do in case of a heart attack

Dial emergency services right away. Every second counts.
Make the patient chew an aspirin to prevent clotting.
CPR may be needed if patient is unresponsive.
To restore blood flow to the heart, medical interventions like angioplasty with stent implantation or CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting), also known as bypass surgery, will be required.

What is a cardiac arrest?

In a cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction leads to an abnormal heart rhythm which can precipitate an abrupt and unexpected loss of heart function. The heart stops beating and is unable to pump blood to various organs of the body, including the brain. If left untreated, it can result in death in a few minutes.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest

The patient collapses suddenly, losing consciousness.
Patient stops breathing, pulse not felt.
Irregular breathing or wheezing.
Causes and risk factors for cardiac arrest
Coronary artery disease raises risk.
A heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest.
VF or ventricular fibrillation, a fast and irregular heartbeat interfering with blood flow.
Electrolyte imbalances.
Severe irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias.
Alcohol abuse or drug overdose.
Electrocution or serious trauma.
Genetic heart condition.

What to do in case of a cardiac arrest

Call emergency services immediately.
Begin CPR at a rate of 100-120 per minute, using hard and rapid shoves.
If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is handy, use it. This device can sometimes normalise the heart’s rhythm by administering an electric shock.
The patient will likely need advanced medical treatment including defibrillation, medication and resuscitation protocols in a hospital environment.