What's heart attack or cardiac arrest?
A heart attack and cardiac arrest are two related but distinct medical emergencies. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. This is often due to a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Symptoms may include: Chest pain or discomfort Shortness of breath Pain in the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach Lightheadedness or dizziness Cardiac Arrest (Sudden Cardiac Arrest): A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or functioning effectively, often due to an electrical disturbance in the heart. This can be caused by a heart attack, but also by other factors like arrhythmias or trauma. Symptoms may include: Loss of consciousness No pulse or breathing Collapse or fainting Key differences: A heart attack is a circulation problem, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. A heart attack may lead to cardiac arrest, but not all heart att...
