Learn the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

You should not take heart problems lightly. When you suspect something is wrong or even feel a tinge of discomfort — run to a heart specialist. Sometimes, symptoms secretly creep, and by the time we realize it is too late or we are facing a serious problem. Many even get a heart attack when something deeply traumatizing or emotional occurs. So when it comes to heart problems, you might have heard of cardiac arrests and heart attacks. In this blog, we’ll go over the differences between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack.

Difference Between Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

When it comes to heart problems, you should know the difference in identifying an issue when it occurs. Below, we’ll discuss what separates cardiac arrest and heart attack:1. What is it?The first difference we’ll discuss between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack is what they are. Many people ask, ‘Is cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?’These conditions are actually different. A heart attack is an emergency that takes place when the blood flow to your heart stops or is cut off. This can lead to significant damage to your heart since it is deprived of oxygen-rich blood.A cardiac arrest is another emergency situation — it is when your heart suddenly stops beating. Also known as cardiac death, this is an extremely severe condition that can result in disability or immediate death.2. Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack SymptomsSince the two conditions are different, so are their symptoms.The heart attack symptoms might start as a mild pain that comes and goes over a period of several hours. Thus, chest pain is a major sign of a heart attack, although symptoms may vary for everyone. Moreover, the experience might be different for females and males. Women usually experience these:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Jaw pain

Many people who have cardiac arrest don’t even know they have a heart problem. Most of the time, the person going through cardiac arrest collapses and loses consciousness. In addition, they may have trouble difficulty breathing. Although, cardiac arrests usually happen in the bathroom.3. Risk FactorsThe reasons why these conditions vary as well. With a heart attack, people usually know they are at risk. In comparison, cardiac arrest patients are typically unaware.Causes of a heart attack include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Smoking
• Diabetes or high blood sugar
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Causes of cardiac arrest include:

• An enlarged heart
• The irregular shape of heart valves
• Congenital disease
• Smoking
• Family history of heart problems
• Previously experienced a heart attack
• Substance misuse
• Electrical impulse problems

4. TreatmentsOnce your heart specialist has diagnosed the condition, they will proceed with the best treatment.Apart from medications, beta-blockers, and nitroglycerine, the treatment for heart attack include:

• Angioplasty
• Heart bypass surgery
• Heart valve surgery
• Pacemaker insertion
• A stent

Treating cardiac arrest usually begins with an attempt to make the heart beat again, like CPR or a defibrillator. If the person survives, the treatment might have these options:

• Medications
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery

What Now?

Now that you know how cardiac arrest vs. heart attack is different be on the lookout for the signs. North West Cardiologist can offer the best treatments for your heart problems. Let us make your heart smile, and dial (281) 807 5253. You can find us at 18220 SH 249, Suite # 230, Houston, TX 77070.