What is the Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
In the literal sense, cardiac arrest and heart attack are very similar. This is the reason why many uninformed people confuse them. Even though they are both heart attacks, they are different in many ways. Causes, symptoms, and treatments, we explain the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack.
What is Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is an electrical disturbance that causes the heart to stop breathing and beating. In this specific case, it is because the heart can no longer pump blood to distribute it in the organs such as the lungs, the brain, etc. It follows a loss of consciousness and therefore a lack of reaction.
This is what happens when someone suddenly collapses and loses consciousness. You try to see if he is still breathing, but you cannot find his pulse: the breathing has stopped. However, he is not yet dead. You can give him first aid to increase his chance of survival. In the minutes that follow, the subject must undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation as quickly as possible at the risk of death. A defibrillator could also be used to improve the victim’s condition before help arrives.
Remember that a cardiac arrest has no warning signs. It can happen any minute without any symptoms. As for the cause, it could be trauma or other medical issues.
What is a Heart Attack
Just like cardiac arrest, a heart attack is a medical emergency. Also referred to as a heart attack, a heart attack occurs when there is blockage of blood flow to the heart. Either because the arteries are clogged due to plaque buildup or a blood clot.
When the muscles of the heart no longer receive the oxygen they need, they begin to become short of breath. The subject begins to feel tightness in the chest, pain in the arm, neck, jerky heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, etc. These are symptoms. The victim, therefore, does not necessarily fall or lose consciousness. However, she needs prompt attention from a surgeon. Otherwise, a lot of damage may occur.
Finally, remember that a heart attack can be the cause of cardiac arrest.
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