Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same, doctor’s advice

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are both cardiac emergencies. But the nature, symptoms and treatment of the two are completely different. Despite this, the general public often considers the two to be the same, and this confusion can be life-threatening. A 2024 study showed that sudden cardiac arrest causes more than 10 percent of all deaths worldwide, almost half of which are in people under the age of 60. Therefore, it is very important to know the difference and make the right decisions in an emergency.

Cardiologist Dr. V. S., Director of the Ramaiah Institute of Cardiac Sciences in Bengaluru, has warned about this. He said that heart attack and cardiac arrest are completely different conditions. If there is confusion, the wrong reaction occurs, which leads to loss of life.

Symptoms of heart attack: A heart attack occurs when blood and oxygen cannot reach the heart muscle due to a coronary artery block. In this situation, the heartbeat continues and the patient remains conscious.

Chest pressure or pain

Shortness of breath

Nausea

Excessive sweating

According to Dr. Prakash, a heart attack means a blockage in the blood flow, and it requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest: Cardiac arrest is completely different. It occurs when the electrical system of the heart suddenly fails. Then the heartbeat stops, blood circulation stops.

Sudden fainting
No pulse
Stop breathing

Dr. Prakash said that cardiac arrest can lead to death within a few minutes. Without CPR, there is almost no chance of survival.

Many people think of heart attack and cardiac arrest as the same thing: Doctors have given details about this. The reason behind this:

Sometimes a major heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
Again, many cardiac arrests occur without any blockage due to genetic or rhythm problems.

As a result, it is normal for the common man to think the two words are the same, but this mistake is dangerous.
Both heart attack and cardiac arrest can be life-threatening in an instant, but their characteristics, risks and actions are completely different. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about this difference. Taking the right steps at the right time can save many lives, and that can start with awareness.

Source: Hindustan Times