Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are both serious heart-related conditions, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the differences between these two conditions is crucial for proper medical response and treatment. The key difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack is as follows:

1. Definition

Cardiac Arrest

A sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.
Occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop pumping blood effectively.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
Causes damage to the heart muscle due to lack of oxygen.

2. Causes

Cardiac Arrest

Often caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart (arrhythmia), such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
Other causes can include severe heart attack, heart failure, severe blood loss, or electrolyte imbalances.

Heart Attack

Usually caused by coronary artery disease, where plaque buildup in the coronary arteries blocks blood flow.
Can also be triggered by a spasm of a coronary artery, causing temporary reduction in blood flow.

3. Symptoms

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness.
No pulse or heartbeat.
No breathing or gasping for air.
May occur without any warning symptoms.

Heart Attack

Chest pain is commonly characterized as a sensation of pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

4. Onset

Cardiac Arrest

Occurs suddenly and without warning.
Immediate and severe, leading to collapse within seconds to minutes.

Heart Attack

Symptoms can start slowly and persist for hours, days, or weeks before the actual heart attack.
Pain may come and go before becoming constant and severe.

5. Immediate Treatment

Cardiac Arrest

Requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
Please contact your local emergency services immediately.
Advanced medical care, including defibrillation and medication, is critical.

Heart Attack

Requires immediate medical attention, call emergency services immediately.
Administer aspirin if advised and if the person is not allergic.
Emergency treatment in a hospital may include medications, angioplasty, or surgery to restore blood flow.

6. Long-Term Treatment and Management

Cardiac Arrest

Survivors may need an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to prevent future episodes.
Treatment of underlying conditions that caused the arrest, such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias.

Heart Attack

Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and medications to manage heart disease.
Procedures like angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be required.
Ongoing monitoring and cardiac rehabilitation to recover and prevent future heart attacks.

7. Prognosis

Cardiac Arrest

Survival rates are low without immediate treatment; time to defibrillation is critical.
Can lead to brain damage or death within minutes if not treated promptly.

Heart Attack

Prognosis improves with rapid treatment; early medical intervention can significantly reduce heart muscle damage.
Long-term outlook depends on the extent of heart damage and subsequent lifestyle and medical management.

8. Key Points

Cardiac Arrest