Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are both critical conditions affecting the heart. Though they share some similarities, they arise from different causes and have distinct outcomes.
WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, involves injury or death of the heart muscle. This typically results from blockages in the coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis.
Causes of Heart Attack
About 75% of heart attacks are due to atherosclerosis. This condition involves fatty and fibrous tissue buildup in coronary arteries, forming a plaque. This plaque can block blood flow or lead to blood clot formation.
Other causes include:
- Coronary artery spasms: Temporary narrowing of the arteries.
- Chest trauma: Physical injury to the chest.
- Reduced blood flow: Various factors leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrients reaching the heart muscle.
WHAT IS CARDIAC ARREST?
Cardiac arrest, sometimes called sudden cardiac arrest, occurs when the heart stops beating effectively. This condition disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Types of Cardiac Arrest (H3)
Cardiac arrest can result from four main types of heartbeat irregularities:
- Ventricular Tachycardia: Rapid heartbeat over 100 beats per minute.
- Ventricular Fibrillation: Irregular, quivering heartbeat over 300 beats per minute.
- Pulse less Electrical Activity: Electrical stimulation without effective pumping.
- Asystole: Absence of electrical activity, commonly seen as a flat-line on heart monitors.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest can arise from several conditions, including:
- Ischemic Heart Disease: The most common cause, accounting for 70% of cases.
- Non-heart-related factors: Drowning, trauma, asphyxia, electrical shock, drug overdose.
HOW HEART ATTACKS CAN LEAD TO CARDIAC ARREST
During a heart attack, heart muscle damage can disrupt electrical signals in the heart. This disruption increases the risk of arrhythmias, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
A heart attack is like a blockage in water supply plumbing. Cardiac arrest is akin to an electrical malfunction in wiring. Though different in nature, both conditions need immediate medical attention due to their severe consequences.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK
- Chest Pain: Often radiates to arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath: Accompanied by nausea or light-headedness.
- Pale Appearance: Sweating is also common.
SYMPTOMS OF CARDIAC ARREST
- Sudden Loss of Consciousness
- Absence of Pulse or Heartbeat
- Stopped Breathing
- Pale or Blue-Tinged Skin