Are heart attack and cardiac arrest the same? It is a topic that often confuses many people. Although these conditions are related to the heart, they are different. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, while cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical problem. Understanding the difference is crucial because the causes, symptoms, and emergency responses are very different.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, helping you understand how to recognize them, respond effectively, and take steps to prevent.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
| Aspect | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Definition | Circulation problem: blockage in the blood flow to the heart | Electrical problem: Heart suddenly stops beating |
| 2. Onset | Develops gradually over time | Suddenly, without warning |
| 3. Cause | Plaque buildup, a clot in the arteries | Abnormal Rhythm, previous heart damage |
| 4. Symptoms | Chest pain, nausea, breathlessness | Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breath |
| 5. Consciousness | Usually conscious | immediate loss of consciousness |
| 6. Emergency response | Call emergency, give aspirin, and seek hospital care | Immediate CPR and defibrillation |
| 7. Survival rate | Higher with early treatment | Higher with immediate quality CPR |
Emergency response information taken from the source of the American Heart Association.
Risk factors
- Habits like drinking alcohol and smoking,
- High blood pressure (Hypertension) and high blood sugar,
- High cholesterol, especially Higher LDL (Total number should not be more than 200mg/dl)
- Overweight (BMI should not be more than 25),
- A biological parent or sibling has heart disease.
Preventive Measures For Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
While heart attack and cardiac arrest are different, many preventive measures overlap because they both stem from underlying heart disease and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Include fresh fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil). Avoid junk food, fried foods (which contain trans fats), and sugary drinks.
Exercise regularly
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day (like brisk walking, swimming, cycling). Regular physical activity can help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease.
Quit alcohol and smoking
Excessive alcohol intake raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Smoking damages arteries and raises the risk of a heart attack.
Regular check-ups
Regular check-ups help catch problems early. Getting tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, or stress tests. So that you can prevent the risk before it’s too late.
Manage stress levels
Chronic stress can trigger heart problems. Regular practice of stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation helps lower stress levels. 7-8 hours of quality sleep to restore the body and reduce stress.
Control diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading risk factors for both heart attack and cardiac arrest. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and accelerate plaque buildup in the arteries, making the arteries more vulnerable to blockages and rhythm problems. Thus, increases the risk of a heart attack. That is why controlling diabetes is a key step in preventing heart disease.
Conclusion
A Heart attack is caused by an artery blockage in the circulation system of blood to the Heart, while a Cardiac arrest is caused due to the interruption in the electrical rhythm of the heart, which stops the pumping of blood “from the heart” to various organs. A heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and regular check-ups, can significantly reduce the risk of both conditions. Understanding the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest is not just a matter of medical knowledge; it’s lifesaving information for you and your loved ones.
