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Know what is the difference between Cardiac arrest and Heart attack

Cardiac arrest and Heart attack

By MayaPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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Difference Between Cardiac Arrest And Heart Attack : Many people often consider heart attack and cardiac arrest to be synonymous, but there is a great difference between these two conditions. Some people understand cardiac arrest to mean heart attack but heart attack means heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and cardiac arrest occurs when a person's heart suddenly breaks down or stops working and beats suddenly. Is.

Cardiac arrest is more deadly than a heart attack. In this article, we will know what is Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack and how these two are different from each other.

What is Cardiac arrest?

Sudden stop of heart rate is called cardiac arrest. It often happens suddenly and without warning. Cardiac arrest is triggered by a malfunction in the electrical impulse in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat. When the pumping action of the heart is impaired, our heart is unable or unable to pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Gradually, the person begins to lose consciousness and his or her pulse stops. This whole situation is called cardiac arrest. If a person suffering from cardiac arrest does not get treatment, he can die within a few minutes.

If first aid is given as soon as cardiac arrest occurs, with proper medical care, it is possible to save the victim's life. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is given for its first aid, in which a defibrillator is used - or in addition to this, only rapid chest compressions with both hands can save the life of the victim. The victim's chances of survival can be improved by the time the paramedic arrives.

What is Heart attack?

A Heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching any part of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened or corrected in time, the part of the heart that is normally nourished by that artery begins to die, and the person suffers a heart attack. The longer a person takes to seek treatment, the greater the damage they will do.

Heart attack symptoms can be immediate and severe. However, most often the symptoms begin gradually and last for a few hours, days or weeks before the heart attack. In a heart attack, the heart does not stop suddenly like in cardiac arrest. If we talk about its symptoms, then it can be different in women than in men.

How is Cardiac arrest different from Heart attack – Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Although both cardiac arrest and heart attack are heart-related conditions, both are different, which many times people confuse with the same, but there is a difference between the two. Heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction or MI ) is defined as damage to part of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood flow to an area of ​​the heart.

Mostly, it is caused by a blockage in the arteries of the heart, which is known as a type 1 heart attack. Such blockages usually occur when cholesterol-rich plaque causes an artery to clog. In this, a blood clot forms, and obstructs the vessels.

A Heart attack is a type of plumbing problem (blood not reaching an area of ​​the heart), while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem (electrical impulse problem).

Cardiac arrest occurs when a malfunction occurs in the heart's electrical system, causing it to suddenly start beating fast and badly, or to stop beating altogether. In this condition, due to lack of circulation of blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs, the person starts gasping and stops breathing and becomes unresponsive within a few seconds.

Heart attack is a common cause of cardiac arrest, heart attack increases the risk of cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest. Other possible causes of cardiac arrest include heart failure, a clot in the lungs, a severe imbalance of potassium, magnesium or other minerals in the blood, a drug overdose, or a blow to the chest.

Rapid action can save lives. What to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Also read about it in detail: Causes of Heart Attack and Risk Factor

What to do in case of Heart attack or Cardiac arrest?

Common Heart attack symptoms include:

Uncomfortable pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest

Pain in the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach along with other uncomfortable sensations

shortness of breath

sudden nausea or vomiting

lightheadedness or dizziness

unusual tiredness

In case of heart attack, if you call EMS (Emergency Medical Service) then it is the best and best option to immediately take the victim to the emergency room. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel can begin treatment as soon as they arrive and first aid can be given before they reach the hospital. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped working.

In case of cardiac arrest, if the victim is treated within a few minutes, then in most cases it is reversed, that is, the life of the victim can be saved. Even in this situation, the first thing to do is call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services. Then, if possible, give first aid to the victim using an automated external defibrillator. Also begin CPR immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive. If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls 9-1-1 to find an AED (automated external defibrillator). By using CPR techniques, you can double or triple the victim's chances of survival.

What is CPR : The full name of CPR is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (resuscitation), which is an emergency life-saving procedure. In this, mainly the victim is given mouth-to-mouth breath and the chest is pressed. This type of first aid is very effective in cases of cardiac arrest and drowning, where the person is unconscious and the victim has trouble breathing or there is no blood circulation.

Although these two conditions seem similar, the symptoms and effects of both are different. If you experience any of these symptoms in someone around you or in yourself, call 911 immediately and provide first aid. It is necessary that the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest is known and immediate treatment can be given to the victim.

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Maya

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