Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?
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Though the terms “cardiac arrest” and “heart attack” are often used interchangeably, they are separate diagnoses and mean different things. But both are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical treatment for the best odds of survival.
While medical jargon can often be confusing, it’s important to understand the meaning of these heart events — as well as their warning signs — in case you or a loved one should experience them.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when there’s not enough oxygen-rich blood flowing to the heart muscle. This reduction in oxygen to the heart causes damage to the heart’s cells, says Laura Verde, MD, lead cardiovascular specialist at Conviva Care Centers. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, it can lead to permanent damage or death.
A number of factors can cause a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction. The most common cause is a blockage in one or more of the heart’s arteries. This occurs with coronary artery disease when cholesterol deposits cause inflammation in the arteries.
A heart attack can occur suddenly, but sometimes people can experience symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks before the event.
Each year, more than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sometimes, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is also a life-threatening heart event, but it occurs more abruptly than a heart attack.
“Sudden cardiac arrest results from an electrical malfunction, causing an irregular heartbeat,” explains Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, MD, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “The heart abruptly stops pumping blood, leading to a loss of consciousness and no pulse.”
Immediate medical intervention is crucial, as death can occur within a few minutes without appropriate treatment.
According to data published by the American Heart Association in 2022 in Circulation, about 90 percent of the 350,000 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year die before they reach the hospital.
Which Is More Serious — a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?
A heart attack and cardiac arrest are both very serious heart events, says Ratnakar Mukherjee, MD, medical director of interventional cardiology at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
“However, cardiac arrest is more serious, as death can occur within a few minutes if left untreated,” he says. Both conditions must be recognized and treated right away.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest
With both heart conditions, prompt treatment is of the utmost importance, as it can prevent death. To get the appropriate treatment, it’s important to know the warning signs.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can vary from mild to severe and may look different in different people. Some people might not even have symptoms at all.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain, which can feel like tightness, squeezing, or pressure
- Pain that spreads to the shoulder, back, neck, or down the arm (this is often experienced more by women)
- Pain that spreads to the jaw or teeth
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest comes on suddenly and signs include:
- Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
- Gasping for air or inability to breathe
- Not responsive
- No pulse
“If a loved one [or someone nearby] is experiencing the symptoms listed above, you should seek immediate help by calling 911,” Dr. Mukherjee says. “If possible, begin CPR/chest compressions and call for an AED [automated external defibrillator] while waiting for EMS to arrive.”
Treatments for a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest
Since a heart attack and cardiac arrest have different causes, they are treated differently.
“Cardiac arrest is treated by cardiac resuscitative measures such as chest compressions, defibrillation (shock), and breathing machines or devices,” Dr. Verde says.
Since cardiac arrest can turn deadly within minutes, bystanders should begin to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
According to a systematic review published in Scientific Reports in 2023, bystander CPR has been shown to improve cardiac arrest survival up to fourfold in some studies.
A heart attack is treated with medications and medical procedures. Treatment may include heart catheterization to open up the blockage to the heart vessel that is causing the reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, Verde explains.
Preventing a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest
The most important thing you can do to prevent major heart events like a heart attack or cardiac arrest is to prioritize healthy lifestyle choices.
“Being active, maintaining a nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco, and managing underlying conditions form the foundation for a longer, healthier life,” Dr. Delgado-Lelievre says. “Engaging with healthcare professionals and staying informed about individual risk factors is essential for a comprehensive prevention plan. Remember, a proactive approach to heart health today leads to a healthier tomorrow.”
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