These two terms are often used interchangeably although they are not the same. A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart becomes restricted. Cardiac arrest on the other hand refers to a situation whereby the heart fails to pump blood and ceases to function suddenly. A heart attack is a problem in circulation while sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.
This blog post will discuss these heart terms and the major differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest. All information is authentic according to the experts of German Heart Centre Dubai. So, read the following!
Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest – Overview:
A heart attack occurs when an artery to one part of the heart is blocked and nutrient or oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the area. If the artery is not reopened soon, the region of the heart that has been supplied by this artery starts dying. The longer a person takes without treatment, the worse the damage that would be incurred. Its symptoms may be abrupt and intense or they can be slow and subtle. One must also know that a heart attack can transpire even with few or no symptoms at all.
On the other side, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops suddenly with little or no previous signs. It happens when an electrical problem in the heart results in an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The pump function of the heart is disrupted for it cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs or other parts of the body for instance. When this happens, the patient becomes unconscious and does not breathe or have a heartbeat. It takes only minutes before the sufferer succumbs to death if he or she does not seek medical attention.
What are the Causes of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
Generally, it is necessary to understand the causes as it can save you from major heart problems. According to the expert German Certified Cardiologist in Dubai, these are the main causes of both, Heart attack and Cardiac Arrest:
For Heart Attack:
- Spasms of the coronary artery.
- Tears in the artery walls.
- Blood clots.
For Cardiac Arrest:
- Ventricular fibrillation.
- Severe heart attack.
- Heart diseases.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Electrocution or trauma.
- Drug abuse like cocaine.
Major Differences Between Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest:
Here are the major five differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest:
- A heart attack is different from a cardiac arrest.
- A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries becomes clogged. The heart muscle loses its critical blood flow and, if not treated, begins to die due to a lack of oxygen.
- A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart stops pumping blood through their body and they stop breathing regularly.
- Many adult cardiac arrests are caused by a heart attack. This is because a person experiencing a heart attack may have a hazardous heart rhythm, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
- Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are both emergencies. Visit the German Heart Centre right away.
Best Treatments for Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest:
Heart Attack Treatment:
- Patients may be prescribed blood thinners such as aspirin to ensure that no more clots are formed as well as nitroglycerin to widen the blood vessels.
- There are situations when the artery is almost completely blocked, in this case, an urgent measure of angioplasty may be made. Although the inner lining of the artery may heal over, a stent is usually installed to make sure that the artery remains open.
- If there are several blockages, the doctor may recommend bypass surgery to clear the blockage and increase blood flow to the heart muscle.
- The effective treatments after the heart attack very often require the introduction of a few changes in the everyday life of a patient, more specifically, a new and better diet, improved physical activity, and smoking cessation in some cases.
Cardiac Arrest Treatment:
- This is the first line of defense in cardiac arrest. It keeps blood flowing to the brain and other organs until professional help arrives.
- A defibrillator is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. The faster defibrillation occurs, the better the chances of survival.
- Once the heart has been restarted, advanced care will be required. Patients may be given medications to stabilize the heart’s rhythm and blood pressure.
- For patients at high risk of recurrent cardiac arrest, an ICD may be implanted to monitor and correct any life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Patients recovering from cardiac arrest need close monitoring, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU). Comprehensive care at a Heart Centre in Dubai is critical for full recovery.
The Bottom Line!
So, while both are life-threatening, they are distinct from one another in terms of their origins, manifestations, and management. If you or someone you know experiences the possibility of heart disease, it would be advisable to seek the best doctor in the field of cardiology.
Whether one needs a specialized cardiologist or a German-certified cardiologist, one must proceed to a cardiac center – German Heart Centre to get the best advice and treatment.