what is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Answer:
While both heart attack and cardiac arrest are serious medical emergencies related to the heart, they are different conditions with distinct causes and outcomes.
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Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one or more coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. This lack of blood flow can lead to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. Prompt medical attention is crucial to limit the damage caused by a heart attack.
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Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. It can be triggered by various issues, including arrhythmias, severe electrolyte imbalances, or trauma. During cardiac arrest, the affected individual will collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Immediate CPR and the use of a defibrillator are essential to restore normal heart rhythm and improve the chances of survival.
In essence, a heart attack is a circulation problem due to a blocked blood vessel, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart stops beating effectively. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of these conditions and seek emergency medical assistance promptly.