Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are related but distinct medical events.

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a blood clot.

This can lead to damage to the heart muscle. On the other hand, cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, often caused by an electrical problem in the heart's rhythm.

During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating altogether, leading to a lack of blood flow to the body and brain.

Both are serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

more detailed information about cardiac arrest and heart attack:

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):

• A heart attack occurs when there's a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
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• The blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that forms at the site of a narrowed or clogged artery due to a buildup of cholesterol and other substances (atherosclerosis).
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• The lack of blood flow leads to damage or death of a part of the heart muscle, and this can cause chest pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
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• It's important to restore blood flow to the affected area as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
• Treatment often involves medications, procedures like angioplasty, and lifestyle changes.

Cardiac Arrest:

• Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, causing the heart to stop beating entirely.
• It is often triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts its normal rhythm (arrhythmia).
• Without immediate intervention, cardiac arrest can lead to loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and death within minutes.
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• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are vital to restore a normal heart rhythm.
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• Defibrillation delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
• Identifying and treating the underlying cause of the arrhythmia is crucial to prevent future episodes of cardiac arrest.

In summary, a heart attack is caused by a blocked coronary artery, resulting in heart muscle damage, while cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function due to an irregular heart rhythm.

Both require prompt medical attention, but their causes and treatments differ.