Heart attack v/s cardiac arrest ❤ -medical information

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not synonyms. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem.
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1. ❤ Heart Attack v/s Cardiac Arrest ❤ medical information PREPARED BY MARTIN SHAJI PHARM D

2. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not synonyms. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem. Introduction

3. 💠 What is a heart attack? A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage.

4. 💠 What is cardiac arrest? Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment. .

5. 5 differences between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest: A heart attack is not the same as a cardiac arrest . A heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. The heart muscle is robbed of its vital blood supply and, if left untreated, will begin to die because it is not getting enough oxygen . A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body and they stop breathing normally .

6. Many cardiac arrests in adults happen because of a heart attack. This is because a person who is having a heart attack may develop a dangerous heart rhythm, which can cause a cardiac arrest .

7. The connection between heart attack vs. cardiac arrest Perhaps the most common source of confusion is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack (what doctors call a myocardial infarction or MI) is defined as damage to part of the heart muscle caused by inadequate blood flow to that area. Most of the time, this happens due to a blockage in one of the heart’s arteries. Known as a type 1 heart attack, such blockages typically occur when cholesterol-laden plaque lining an artery ruptures. A clot forms, obstructing the vessel.

8. While a heart attack is a plumbing problem, a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to beat rapidly and chaotically — or to stop beating altogether. Without blood circulating to the brain, lungs, and other organs, the person gasps or stops breathing and becomes unresponsive within seconds. A heart attack is a common cause of cardiac arrest, but most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest. Other possible causes of cardiac arrest include heart failure, a clot in the lungs, a serious imbalance of potassium, magnesium, or other minerals in the blood, a drug overdose, or a blow to the chest.

9. Symptoms Of A Heart Attack A . People experiencing a heart attack often stay conscious and awake. In an acute heart attack, there’s usually one major blockage that some blood can flow around. The circulation is not as strong, but blood still reaches vital organs and the brain, so the person stays awake. If you have a heart attack, you might experience these symptoms over hours, days or weeks: Chest pain. Nausea or flu-like symptoms. Shortness of breath. Stomach pain. Sweating. Weakness.

10. Symptoms Differ For Sudden Cardiac Arrest A . People having sudden cardiac arrest often lose consciousness within minutes because of the lack of blood flow to the brain. There is little-to-no warning. More than half of people who experience SCA have no symptoms. Others may have: Blue discoloration of the face. Breathing difficulty. Chest pains. Dizziness as the heart quivers. Overall malaise or unwell feelings .

11. Why is it important for people to know the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest? A. We often say, “time is tissue.” This means the longer you wait to get help, the more damage can occur to the heart tissue. So, if you or your loved one has symptoms, knowing the difference can help you make lifesaving decisions. For example : Sudden loss of consciousness: Call 911, look for an automated external defibrillator (AED) and begin CPR immediately. Conscious with symptoms: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room .

12. Also, if you’ve experienced a previous heart attack or have heart disease, you’re at higher risk for SCA. The risk of SCA following a heart attack is highest in the first three months, then gradually decreases. Your doctor can help you figure out what preventive steps to take.

13. Some Ways To Help Prevent Heart Attack And Sudden Cardiac Arrest A. Heart-healthy habits are an essential first step. Controlling risk factors helps prevent heart attacks or SCA — so talk to your doctor about how to lower your blood pressure, quit smoking, control diabetes, stay active and eat a heart-healthy diet. If you have a heart condition or had a previous heart attack, your provider will discuss preventive care options. These may include:

14. Medication: Your provider may recommend drugs to lower cholesterol, prevent future heart attacks, lower blood pressure or prevent blood clots . Ablation: Heart attacks can lead to heart muscle damage which can harm the electrical conduction system. Ablation – burning or freezing of the heart tissue – can correct abnormal electrical pathways.

15. Defibrillators: External or internal devices can detect when the heart is beating out of sync and shock it back into proper function. Researchers are currently developing portable AEDs that at-risk people can carry with them . Procedures: If you have a genetic condition that puts you at a higher risk for electrical heart concerns, a surgical procedure may correct the condition . Stents: Scaffold-like devices can open up blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow, preventing future heart attacks that could lead to SCA.

16. The most important step in preventing a heart attack or SCA is this: If you feel something, say something. This advice is particularly important during the pandemic when people might be concerned about visiting the emergency department. If you are experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor. Most providers now offer telemedicine visits to help determine if you need immediate care.