The terms heart attack and cardiac arrest have become very common and each of them is a health crisis involving the heart. They have become the two most common causes of death in the past few years.
People often use these terms interchangeably, but unlike the common misconception, heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same. They’re two different problems with different causes and treatments.
Heart Attack
- Heart attack is the result of a ‘circulation’ issue.
- It occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is blocked.
- A blocked artery prevents blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened as soon as possible, the part of the heart begins to die.
- Symptoms: A heart attack may be immediate and include intense discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and/or nausea/vomiting. Symptoms usually start slowly and persist for hours, days or weeks.
Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac arrest is the result of an ‘electrical’ problem.
- It occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.
- It is caused by a malfunction in the heart that causes irregular heartbeats. When its pumping action is disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs.
- Symptoms: A person becomes unresponsive, stops breathing or gasps for breath. Death may occur within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.
Health starts from learning and then acting accordingly. It is crucial to know about different diseases to get the right treatment. It is important to consult a professional and get your facts checked to learn about your body.
If you or someone you know shows any symptoms of a heart attack or a cardiac arrest, call your doctor immediately. Remember, every minute matters! In the case of an emergency, go straight to a hospital or call Emergency Services on 112.
You can also reach out to doctors at AllCure on 022 2839 3738, or visit us at Jogeshwari Station Road, Jogeshwari East, above ICICI BANK ATM, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400060.