Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Different From Each Other

Understanding the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

In this blog, we're going to talk about two serious heart problems: heart attacks and cardiac arrest. It’s important to know how they are different. We’ll use simple words and cover a lot of details to help you understand. Plus, we’ll include information from Suave Concierge to help you stay healthy.

Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Different From Each Other

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle is damaged because it’s not getting enough blood. Blood carries oxygen to the heart, and without it, the heart can’t work properly.

Myocardial Infarction Symptoms

Doctors use a special term called “myocardial infarction” to describe a heart attack. Here are some common myocardial infarction symptoms:

• Chest Pain: Feels like someone is squeezing or pressing on your chest.

• Pain in the Arms: Pain or discomfort might spread to one or both arms.

• Pain in the Back: The pain can also spread to your back.

• Pain in the Neck or Jaw: You might feel pain in your neck or jaw.

• Shortness of Breath: It may be hard to breathe, even if you are resting.

• Nausea: You might feel sick to your stomach or even vomit.

If you or someone else has these myocardial infarction symptoms, it’s very important to get medical help right away.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. This means the heart isn’t pumping blood to the body anymore.

Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

Here are the common symptoms of cardiac arrest:

• Sudden Collapse: The person may suddenly fall to the ground.

• No Breathing: They will not be breathing at all.

• No Pulse: You won’t be able to feel their heartbeat.

• Loss of Consciousness: They may not be awake or responsive.

• Unresponsiveness: They won’t react when you talk to them or shake them.

• Fixed Eyes: Their eyes may look fixed and not move.

Cardiac arrest happens quickly and requires immediate action, like calling 911 and starting CPR.

How to Tell the Difference

Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are both serious, but they have different signs and happen in different ways. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Differences in Symptoms

Heart Attacks:

• Gradual Onset: Symptoms may come on slowly over minutes or hours.

• Chest Pain: Pain in the chest that might last or come and go.

• Pain Spread: Pain might spread to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.

• Breathing Issues: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Discomfort in the Stomach: Nausea or discomfort in the stomach.

• Feeling Tired: You may feel unusually tired or weak.

Cardiac Arrest:

• Sudden Collapse: The person collapses suddenly without warning.

• Immediate Loss of Consciousness: The person loses consciousness immediately.

• No Breathing: They stop breathing suddenly.

• No Pulse: You can’t feel their heartbeat immediately.

• No Reaction: The person does not respond to any external stimuli.

• Eyes Fixed: Their eyes may be fixed and unresponsive.

Special Signs for Women

Women might have different symptoms of heart disease compared to men. Here are some early signs of heart failure for women:

• Unusual Tiredness: Feeling extremely tired even after resting.

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.

• Swelling: Swelling in the feet or legs.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing even when resting.

• Discomfort in the Chest: Feeling pressure or pain in the chest.

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or faint.

These symptoms can be different from the typical heart attack signs and might be mistaken for other issues.

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Taking care of your heart can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Here’s what you can do:

• Eat Healthy Foods: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good for your heart.

• Exercise Regularly: Activities like playing sports or running keep your heart strong.

• Don’t Smoke: Smoking is harmful to your heart.

• Stay Active: Regular exercise helps keep your heart healthy.

• Manage Stress: Reducing stress helps your heart stay healthy.

• Regular Check-ups: See your doctor for regular heart health check-ups.

A word from the doctor —

At Suave Concierge, we care about your health. We provide valuable information and support to help you understand heart problems and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you need more information about heart attacks, cardiac arrest, or how to stay heart-healthy, visit our website.

Remember to keep your heart healthy by eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking. If you see someone with symptoms of heart disease, get help right away.

So, get started by contacting us right away.