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. please comment thank you .......

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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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:

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.