Difference between cardiac arrest and Heart Attack

Cardiology | by Dr. Rakesh Sarkar | Published on 03/09/2024

Heart-related problems are becoming more common in today's fast-paced society, impacting people of all ages and lifestyles. The need to reduce the risk of heart disease is greater than ever, whether it is because of stress, bad eating habits, or a sedentary lifestyle. Even those who appear to be in excellent health might get heart attacks and cardiac arrests. These heart-related problems still take lives at a startling pace, even in the face of increased knowledge and technological advancements in medicine. To ensure that you receive the best care, consult with some of the leading cardiologists in Kolkata at BMB, where cutting-edge treatments and expert care are available to help you safeguard your heart health.

To highlight the gravity of cardiac problems, we can examine cases in which prominent personalities have passed away from these conditions. Heart attacks or cardiac arrests claimed the lives of many celebrities like Movie & TV actor, Siddharth Shukla (sudden heart attack) and Singer, KK (Krishnakumar Kunnath, due to cardiac arrest on stage during his performance), both of them had active lives and even then they were struck down by these two heart conditions. These tragic incidents serve as a reminder that everyone is susceptible to heart disease regardless of personality, money, or status.

Understanding the warning signals, what to do in an emergency, and the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest will all help to considerably improve one's chances of surviving. With its thorough explanations of the causes, symptoms, risks, and the most effective preventive and treatment measures, this comprehensive blog will help you navigate the complexities of heart attacks and cardiac arrests. 

What is the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?

A myocardial infarction, or heart attack as it is medically termed, is a condition in which a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a portion of the heart muscle. This obstruction deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood, which damages or kills the heart muscle. The more damage is done to the heart, the longer it is left without enough blood flow.

On the other hand, an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, results from a disruption in the heart's electrical system causing cardiac arrest. This disturbance results in a loss of consciousness and the inability to breathe because the heart is unable to pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other essential organs. In contrast to a heart attack, cardiac arrest usually happens suddenly and calls for quick medical intervention.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Recognizing the symptoms of a cardiac arrest vs heart attack can be crucial for timely intervention. In the following table, the key symptoms of both illnesses are depicted for better understanding:

Heart Attack	Cardiac Arrest
Shortness of breath while resting or doing a physical activity	Heart palpitations along with severe chest pain
Chest pain, the most common symptoms	Nausea and vomiting
Chest heaviness or discomfort	Shortness of breath
Pain in one or both arms, back, neck, or jaw	No heartbeat
Experiencing tiredness for no reason	Trouble breathing
Nausea and vomiting	Losing consciousness
Dizziness or lightheadedness	Dizziness
Irregular heartbeat	Fatigue and weakness
Sweating	Sudden collapse

What are the Causes of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Heart health can be compromised by various factors, which are among the many causes of heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Recognizing those at risk can be made easier with an understanding of these causes:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The accumulation of plaque, a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other materials, narrows or blocks the coronary arteries, which is the most prevalent cause of heart attacks.
• Elevated Blood Pressure: Prolonged hypertension can deteriorate arterial health, rendering them more vulnerable to plaque accumulation and raising the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest.
• High Cholesterol: Having high LDL cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which can worsen heart attacks. 
• Smoking: Because tobacco smoking destroys blood arteries and lowers blood oxygen levels, it is a major risk factor for cardiac arrests as well as heart attacks.
• Obesity and Physical Inactivity: Being overweight or underweight combined with a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart-related disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Diabetes: Because high blood sugar can harm blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart, people with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease.
• Family History: People who have a history of heart disease in their family may be more vulnerable to plaque building over time, which raises their risk of cardiac arrest and heart attack.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: By causing arrhythmias or raising blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake and the use of other substances, such as cocaine, can result in heart attacks and cardiac arrests. 

What are the Risks and Complications of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests carry serious risks and complications that can negatively affect a person's health and quality of life:

• Heart Failure: The heart may get weaker following a heart attack and become unable to pump blood efficiently, which can result in heart failure.
• Arrhythmias: After a heart attack, irregular heartbeats are common and can raise the risk of cardiac arrest.
• Cardiogenic Shock: When the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body, it can result in organ failure and a potentially fatal condition.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Those who have had a heart attack are more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, especially if their heart damage is severe.
• Stroke: Blood clots that form in the heart after a heart attack increase the chance of travelling to the brain and causing a stroke.
• Pericarditis: Following a heart attack, inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart, can result in chest pain and other symptoms.

Why Are Regular Checkups Crucial for Preventing Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest??

Regular examinations are crucial in preventing heart attacks and cardiac arrest since they provide the identification of risk factors and offer chances for appropriate intervention. Frequent checkups help in early diagnosis for better outcomes and timely treatment of heart attacks and cardiac arrests. The following diagnostic methods involved by health experts are:

• ECG (electrocardiogram): This test captures the heart's electrical activity and can spot anomalies that could be signs of an arrhythmia or heart attack.
• Blood Tests: During a heart attack, the bloodstream is discharged with several enzymes, including troponin. Increased concentrations of these enzymes help validate the diagnosis.
• Chest X-ray: This imaging test can identify any fluid in the lungs, which could be a sign of heart failure, as well as the size and form of the heart.
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test helps determine the extent of damage following a heart attack by providing detailed images of the anatomy and function of the heart.
• Coronary Angiography: During a coronary angiography procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries to help identify blockages and assess whether an angioplasty is necessary.
• Cardiac MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart can determine the degree of damage from a heart attack and provides fine-grained images of the heart muscle.

What Are the Immediate Steps taken by Doctors When Someone Experiences a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

Doctors quickly provide aspirin to prevent clotting and sometimes nitroglycerin to enhance blood flow when a patient has a heart attack. In cases of cardiac arrest, defibrillation is used to restart the heart's rhythm and CPR is initiated to restore breathing and circulation. For patients to survive and recover, heart attacks and cardiac arrests must be treated quickly. Possible treatment options include:

Steps Involved	Cardiac Arrest Treatment Options	Heart Attack Treatment Options
Immediate Action	CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Performed immediately to restore breathing and blood flow.  Defibrillation: Restart the heart’s rhythm with electric shocks.	Aspirin- To reduce blood clotting. Nitroglycerin: Helps open arteries and improve blood flow.
Emergency Procedures	Advanced Life Support (ALS): Involves intubation, IV medications, and defibrillation by paramedics team.	Thrombolytics (Clot-busting drugs): To dissolve blood clots. Angioplasty: A balloon catheter used to open blocked arteries.
Hospital Care	Mechanical Ventilation: To assist breathing in severe cases. Medication to stabilise heart rhythms, such as epinephrine or amiodarone.	Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Restores blood flow by bypassing blocked arteries. Stenting: Inserting a stent to keep arteries open.
Post-Emergency Care	ICU Monitoring: Regular monitoring of heart rhythm and vital signs in intensive care units.	Medications: Blood thinners (e.g., heparin), beta-blockers, and statins to prevent heart problems in future.
Long-Term Prevention	Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Placed in the chest to monitor and correct dangerous heart rhythms.	Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking. Cardiac Rehabilitation: A program to help regain strength and prevent further problems.
Aim	Restart the heart and stabilise heart rhythm.	Restore blood flow to the heart and prevent damage.

How Can You Prevent Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

It takes more than one or two major lifestyle changes to prevent a heart attack or cardiac arrest; it’s about preserving heart health through small steps. Even though heart disease can be worrisome, there are some tips you can use to lower your risk and safeguard your heart:

• Healthy Diet: Heart disease risk can be lowered by eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.
• Frequent Exercise: A minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise can strengthen the heart and enhance cardiovascular health in general.
• Stop Smoking: One of the best strategies to lower the risk of cardiac arrests and heart attacks is to stop smoking.
• Control Stress: Prolonged stress can have a detrimental effect on heart health. Stress management methods include deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.
• Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: To prevent heart disease, blood pressure and cholesterol levels must be regularly monitored and managed.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reducing the risk of heart-related problems can be achieved by consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all.
• Regular Check-ups: Before risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol cause heart attacks or cardiac arrests, they can help identify and control them.

Conclusion

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests are serious medical situations that need to be attended to right away. People can prevent heart disease by being proactive and learning about the causes, symptoms, and available treatments. The chance of these potentially fatal occurrences can be decreased with early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and lifestyle modifications. Improving heart function and averting problems is the aim, whether it is by medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes. The first stage in averting heart attacks and cardiac arrests, which will ultimately result in lifesaving, is awareness and education.

FAQs 

How to stop a heart attack in 30 seconds?

It is not possible to stop a heart attack in thirty seconds. But you can halt the process and save lives right away by chewing an aspirin and calling emergency assistance immediately. Recall that prompt medical attention is essential to reduce cardiac damage and improve survival rates.

Is sudden cardiac death painful?

Sudden cardiac death can occur, and it can be challenging to assess the degree of pain. Although people sometimes feel discomfort, shortness of breath, or chest pain before collapsing, the actual process is often quick and painless because of unconsciousness.

What to do when someone gets a heart attack?

Make an emergency service call right away if you think someone is experiencing a heart attack. While waiting for assistance, have the person remain calm, have them chew aspirin if it's available, and keep them seated. If they pass out, they could be required to perform CPR. 

Is heart attack and cardiac arrest the same?

No, a heart attack is not the same as a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is caused by a blockage of blood supply to the heart, whereas cardiac arrest is the result of the heart stopping abruptly. Though their causes and methods of treatment differ, both need emergency medical assistance. 

What is the heart rate during a heart attack?

Depending on the person and the intensity of the attack, a heart attack's heart rate can differ. A fast heartbeat (tachycardia) can occur in some people or a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or an irregular heartbeat can occur in others. Heart attacks frequently occur with irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, which can make matters more difficult. Though other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating are more reliable indicators of a heart attack, heart rate alone is not a definitive indicator.