what is the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest

In July 2023, the sudden medical condition of America’s rising basketball star Bronny James caught everyone’s attention. 18-year-old Bronny suddenly collapsed on the basketball court due to a heart stoppage. After which he was immediately taken to the hospital.

This incident was shown in the media as a “heart attack”. But to understand heart related problems, it is important to know that heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different emergency medical conditions. However, both lead to death. 

This is how your heart works

The heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Its muscles need blood from the coronary arteries to function properly. If there is a blockage in these arteries, the heart muscles do not get enough blood and oxygen, due to which the heart is unable to function properly. This leads to heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle is injured or dies. This is usually due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This blockage is often caused by atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty layers in the arteries), which impedes blood circulation.

Symptoms of heart attack:
Chest pain,
shortness of breath,
nausea
sweating

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heartbeat suddenly stops. This condition occurs due to a disturbance in the electrical system of the heart and there are four main types of it – ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, electrical activity without pulse, asystole. Due to the stoppage of the heartbeat, the heart is unable to pump blood properly. Due to which immediate treatment is required. 

Symptoms of cardiac arrest
Sudden unconsciousness
, loss of pulse or heartbeat,
breathing cessation,
skin turning pale or blue

The connecting link between the two

Both heart attack and palpitations are related to the heart not functioning properly, but their causes and consequences are different. A heart attack is caused by injury or death to the heart muscle, while palpitations are caused by an electrical disturbance in the heartbeat. Heart attacks increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

Disclaimer: We have taken the help of home remedies and general information in writing this. If you read anything related to your health anywhere, then definitely consult a doctor before adopting it.