What’s the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?

While they’re often used interchangeably, they are distinct conditions with unique symptoms, causes, and treatments. Understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest can save lives in emergencies and help you take better care of your heart.

Here’s what the numbers say:

  • Over the past 25 years, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors has surged significantly in India, especially in urban areas.
  • In 2022, India experienced a dramatic 12.5% rise in heart attack cases.
  • As per Harvard Health, Silent heart attacks, or silent myocardial infarctions (SMIs), make up an astonishing 45% of all heart attacks.

These statistics show how little we know about cardiovascular risks. Therefore, both conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention, but they are not the same. 

This article dives into the critical differences, their symptoms, causes, treatments, and how they’re interconnected. So, let’s explore.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage, typically caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances, restricts oxygen from reaching critical areas of the heart.

Without quick medical intervention, the lack of oxygen can severely damage the heart muscle. Thus, leading to life-threatening complications.

Furthermore, Heart attacks are among the leading causes of death worldwide, where cases are on the rise. For instance:

  • Heart attacks affect over 800,000 people annually in the U.S. alone, with nearly one in five being silent.

Despite their prevalence, many people struggle to recognize the warning signs or understand the risk factors involved. Therefore, knowing the symptoms and treatment options is key to handling emergencies effectively.

Common Symptoms

Heart attack symptoms can vary, but these are the most frequently reported:

  • Intense chest pain or discomfort is often described as squeezing or pressure in the centre of the chest.
  • Pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness, particularly in women.
  • Cold sweats or clammy skin, may indicate the severity of the attack.

Recognizing these symptoms early can make the difference between life and death.

Causes and Risk Factors

Heart attacks develop due to a combination of factors that compromise blood flow to the heart muscle. Addressing these causes early can significantly lower the risk of an attack. Some of the primary contributors include:

  • Plaque buildup: This occurs when fat deposits, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the artery walls. Over time, these plaques narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a clot that completely blocks the artery.
  • High blood pressure: Consistently elevated blood pressure weakens and damages the arteries. The damage makes them more prone to narrowing and blockages. Hence, directly increasing the likelihood of a heart attack.
  • High cholesterol levels: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol”, promotes the formation of fatty deposits in blood vessels. These deposits can slow or block blood flow.
  • Smoking: Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the bloodstream that damage artery walls, leading to plaque buildup. Moreover, it also decreases oxygen levels in the blood and forces the heart to work harder.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, raising the risk of heart disease and attacks.
  • Obesity and inactivity: Excess weight puts strain on the heart and is often linked to other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Physical inactivity compounds these risks by weakening the cardiovascular system.
  • Family history: Lastly, genetics play a crucial role in heart health. If immediate family members have had heart attacks, the risk of developing one is significantly higher.

Each of these factors contributes uniquely to heart attack risk. Therefore, it is crucial to understand each.

Treatment Options

Immediate medical attention during a heart attack can save lives and minimize damage to the heart. The most effective treatments focus on restoring blood flow and addressing the underlying causes. Some of the common treatment approaches include:

  • Medication: Drugs such as aspirin and anticoagulants help prevent blood clots from worsening. Moreover, thrombolytic agents, also known as clot busters, dissolve existing clots.
  • Angioplasty: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a catheter with a small balloon at its tip into the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, restoring blood flow to the heart.
  • Stent placement: Often performed during angioplasty, stents are small wire mesh tubes inserted into the artery to keep it open. They help prevent future blockages by supporting the artery walls.
  • Bypass surgery: In severe cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed. A healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked artery.
  • Rehabilitation programmes: These programmes focus on physical therapy, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes to strengthen the heart and reduce the likelihood of another attack.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Before learning the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, it’s important to understand cardiac arrest as well.

A Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood due to an electrical malfunction. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow, cardiac arrest is often abrupt and without warning.

  • When the heart ceases to function, vital organs are deprived of oxygen which leads to severe consequences within minutes.

If immediate medical intervention isn’t provided, survival becomes unlikely. This condition is life-threatening and demands swift recognition and action.

So, understanding cardiac arrest is crucial for reducing mortality rates and saving lives in emergencies.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrest is vital. Here are the most common indicators:

  • Sudden collapse without any prior warning.
  • No detectable pulse or heartbeat.
  • Absence of breathing or gasping for air.
  • Loss of consciousness almost immediately.
  • Seizure-like movements in some cases.

Symptoms may vary, but the abrupt nature of cardiac arrest often leaves little time to respond.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest can be triggered by several underlying conditions, including:

  • Arrhythmia: These are irregular heart rhythms that disrupt the heart’s electrical system. A common arrhythmia that leads to cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, where the heart’s lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. 
  • Coronary Artery Disease: This condition occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. Reduced blood flow can deprive the heart muscle of oxygen.
  • Heart Attack: A severe heart attack, caused by a blocked artery, can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. The damage may disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm and it can lead to cardiac arrest
  • Electrical Shock or Trauma: Direct electrical shocks or trauma to the heart, such as from a lightning strike or a severe accident, can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm and potentially lead to cardiac arrest. 
  • Drug Abuse: Lastly, certain drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine, can cause severe damage to the heart and disrupt its rhythm. The use of drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine increases the risk of arrhythmia.

Emergency Response for Cardiac Arrest

Responding to cardiac arrest immediately is critical. The steps include:

  1. Recognize the situation: Check for unresponsiveness and absence of breathing.
  2. Call for help: Dial emergency services and alert others nearby.
  3. Perform CPR: Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
  4. Use an AED: If available, apply an automated external defibrillator for defibrillation.
  5. Continue efforts: Do not stop CPR until professional help arrives.

Prompt action can double or triple survival chances. Training in CPR and AED use is life-saving in emergencies.

Key Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Here’s a table summarizing the key difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest:

AspectHeart AttackCardiac Arrest
CauseBlockage in the blood flow to the heart muscle, usually from plaque buildup.Sudden electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop beating.
OnsetSymptoms develop gradually, often over several minutes or hours.Happens suddenly and without warning.
SymptomsChest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness. Pain may radiate to the arm, neck, or jaw.Sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, and cessation of breathing. May exhibit gasping.
DurationCan last for several minutes to hours if untreated.Occurs suddenly and rapidly without immediate intervention, and death can occur within minutes.
TreatmentMedications (clot-busting drugs), angioplasty, bypass surgery, and lifestyle changes.Immediate CPR, defibrillation (AED), and advanced medical intervention.
Survival RateHigher survival rate if treated promptly with proper medical care.A lower survival rate depends on how quickly CPR or defibrillation is performed.
Risk FactorsHigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle.Heart attack, arrhythmias, electrical disturbances, trauma, drug overdose.
Primary FocusRestoring blood flow to the heart.Restoring the heart’s normal rhythm.

This table clarifies the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest and helps us better understand risks, treatments, and emergency situations.

How are Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Connected?

As now we know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, we should learn their connection as well. Here’s how they are connected.

  1. Heart Attack Leading to Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically by a clot. This blockage can damage the heart muscle, causing severe pain and discomfort. 

However, if the blockage is extensive, it can disrupt the heart’s electrical system. These irregular rhythms can cause the heart to stop beating properly and thus, lead to cardiac arrest.

In fact, the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest lies in the heart’s electrical system. While a heart attack damages the heart muscle, it is the resulting electrical malfunction that leads to cardiac arrest.

  1. Do all Heart Attacks Lead to Cardiac Arrest?

It is important to note that not all heart attacks lead to cardiac arrest. However, the risk increases significantly. That too, if the heart attack causes damage to the electrical system of the heart.

In such cases, the person may experience sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating entirely. Immediate intervention, such as:

  • CPR or
  • Defibrillation is critical to saving a person’s life.

This is why quickly recognizing the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest is vital. 

  1. Preventing Cardiac Arrest After a Heart Attack

Preventing cardiac arrest after a heart attack largely depends on the treatment received during and after the heart attack. Medical interventions can restore proper blood flow to the heart and reduce the chances of electrical malfunctions. This includes:

  • Angioplasty,
  • Stent placement, or
  • Medication.

Additionally, lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation can help improve heart health. Thus, minimizing the risk of future events.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency?

When someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest, knowing how to recognize the signs is crucial. Both conditions present distinct symptoms, but it’s essential to act quickly. The difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest lies in the way they affect the body.

A heart attack typically presents with:

  • Chest pain,
  • Discomfort, or
  • Pressure.

The pain may radiate to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. You may also experience shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness.

On the other hand, cardiac arrest is characterized by:

  • Sudden collapse,
  • Loss of consciousness, and
  • Lack of pulse.

Without quick intervention, the individual may stop breathing. Understanding these signs allows you to catch the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest. Early recognition can make a difference between life and death.

  • Administering First Aid

When someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, administering first aid can significantly improve their chances of survival. For a heart attack, you can encourage the person to remain calm and chew an aspirin (if they’re not allergic).

If the person collapses or loses consciousness, it is likely a cardiac arrest. In this case, immediately start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

  • If you are trained in using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), use it as soon as possible. Early defibrillation can restore a normal heart rhythm.

For both conditions, don’t wait for the symptoms to subside. Quick action can save lives.

Furthermore, in any emergency involving the heart, don’t hesitate to call for help, even if it seems mild.

Myths and Misconceptions

While these conditions are generally serious, there are some myths about them out there. It is always better to avoid myths but for that, let’s learn about the misconceptions:

  • A heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same. This is not true. A heart attack is a blockage in blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction that stops the heart.
  • You need to wait for symptoms to improve before calling for help. Delaying medical help can worsen the situation, especially in the case of a heart attack.
  • Heart attacks always happen suddenly. While some heart attacks are sudden, others can develop gradually with warning signs that can last for hours or days.
  • Only older people have heart attacks. Heart attacks can affect anyone, regardless of age. Risk factors like lifestyle and family history are key contributors.
  • If the person is awake and talking, it’s not a heart attack. Even if the person is conscious, they could still be having a heart attack and require immediate attention.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest is crucial for timely intervention and saving lives. Knowing how to recognize symptoms and respond effectively can make a significant difference in an emergency.

If you or a loved one is at risk or experiencing heart-related issues, don’t wait – seek professional care immediately.

At Riverside B&J Superspeciality Hospital, the doctors’ team is dedicated to providing world-class heart care.

The hospital’s services are led by Dr. Pritish Bagul and Dr. Vinay Jaiswal, renowned experts in interventional cardiology, who bring years of experience and expertise to every patient care.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive cardiology services.

FAQs

  • What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest?
    The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia, particularly ventricular fibrillation, which disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm.
  • Can a heart attack cause cardiac arrest?
    Yes, a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest by causing a severe disruption in the heart’s electrical activity.
  • How can you tell if someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest?
    A heart attack often involves chest pain and discomfort, while cardiac arrest causes sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and lack of pulse.
  • What is the survival rate for cardiac arrest?
    Survival rates for cardiac arrest are low, around 10%, but immediate CPR and defibrillation can significantly improve chances.
  • Is cardiac arrest more severe than a heart attack?
    Yes, cardiac arrest is more immediately life-threatening than a heart attack, which is why understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest is crucial.

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