Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

By Vaishnavi Malvankar (Cardiac Perfusionist)

You may have come across news stories reporting young individuals suddenly collapsing due to cardiac issues. While often referred to as heart attacks, many such incidents are actually cardiac arrests. In this article, we will understand the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is known as myocardial infarction in medical terms. It is a condition where there is damage to the myocardial muscle, also known as the heart muscle, due to an insufficient oxygen supply. This insufficiency is caused by blockages in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart tissue. If left untreated, it can result in death. However, unlike in cardiac arrest, the heart usually continues to beat during a heart attack, although severe cases may trigger arrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, and from patient to patient, depending on their medical history, as these signs and symptoms develop over a period of time. Here are a few common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Cold sweats

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Feeling of severe acidity

• Dizziness

• Sharp pain in the left shoulder

All these symptoms are a sign to see a doctor immediately.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike a heart attack, in cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating suddenly, causing hypoxia—meaning no oxygen supply to the brain and other organs. Cardiac arrest usually comes without warning signs. It can be caused by various reasons such as abnormal electrical activity in the heart (arrhythmias), cardiomyopathy, a severe heart attack, or undiagnosed congenital cardiac diseases. These abnormalities cause the heart to stop suddenly and completely. This medical condition requires immediate action. If no action is taken, cardiac arrest may result in severe disability or death.

Symptoms of a Cardiac Arrest

Although cardiac arrest typically has no warning signs, as it is a sudden event, here are a few symptoms that can precede it:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Feeling nauseous about an hour before the cardiac event

• Palpitations

• Weakness

• Sudden collapse

What to Do in Both Situations

Both cardiac arrest and heart attack are life-threatening situations that require immediate action, such as performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) until you find a pulse or the patient regains consciousness. Call your local emergency services immediately and begin CPR if trained, or rush the patient to the nearest hospital.

Factors That Affect Our Heart Health

The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and heart attack are similar, often leading to confusion among the general public. However, both conditions affect the normal functions of the heart and other vital organs. Here are a few factors that increase the risk of such sudden cardiac events:

• Poor Lifestyle Choices: As many of us have heard, our body is our temple. Our lifestyle choices affect both physical and mental health. Excessive intake of processed or high-calorie food invites many health problems. Choosing an active lifestyle and eating a mindful diet can significantly improve physical health, boost mental well-being, and enhance overall quality of life.
  

• Obesity: Obesity causes fat accumulation around the coronary arteries, compromising blood and oxygen flow to the heart and other vital organs.
  

• Excess Consumption of Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake disrupts normal cardiac rhythm. It also increases blood pressure, straining the cardiac muscles.
  

• Diabetes: Patients with long-term diabetes are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure. Proper diabetes management is crucial.
  

• Age: Aging leads to changes in cardiac muscle function and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Maintain Heart Health

The main reason for poor heart health is a bad lifestyle. Adopting better lifestyle goals can improve overall quality of life and well-being. Here are a few positive lifestyle changes you can make:

• Exercise Daily: Regular physical activity boosts mental health and helps maintain physical fitness.
  

• Stop Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cardiac diseases such as heart attacks and strokes by damaging heart muscles and blood vessels.
  

• Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption negatively affects heart health and increases the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias.
  

• Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet is one of the easiest ways to maintain heart health. Following a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium diet can help prevent many diseases.
  
  

• Regular Health Checkups and Doctor Visits: Routine health screenings and timely consultations with a doctor can help detect impending cardiac problems and reduce the risk of sudden heart attack or cardiac arrest.

^{Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.}

_MSM/DP