More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital every year in the US. This includes more than 23,000 children. In children, 40% of cardiac arrests are related to sports, and nearly 20% occur in infants. People don’t expect that children can have a cardiac arrest because they think it only happens in old people. Most people don’t really understand the Important difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. Let’s talk more about the difference between these two serious heart problems.
What is the basic difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Essentially, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in the heart, and a heart attack is a circulation problem.What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. This blockage is often due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in the coronary arteries. Timely medical intervention can restore blood flow and prevent extensive heart damage.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or arms. As we discussed in a recent Health Tip, symptoms can be more subtle in women. If you missed that Health Tip, you can read it here: Understanding Heart Disease in Women – eDocAmerica
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function due to a malfunction within the electrical system of the heart. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that, if not treated immediately, can result in death. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, an erratic and rapid quivering of the heart’s lower chambers, although other arrhythmias can cause cardiac arrest as well.
How do the symptoms of cardiac arrest differ from those of a heart attack?
While a heart attack often has warning signs and symptoms, a cardiac arrest typically occurs suddenly and without warning. The individual may collapse, stop breathing, and lose consciousness. There is no heartbeat or pulse, and without immediate intervention with CPR and defibrillation, death can occur within minutes.
Can a heart attack lead to cardiac arrest?
Yes, a heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest. When a heart attack occurs, it can damage the cells that control the electrical system of the heart. This can lead to cardiac arrest. This is why immediate medical attention is critical for anyone experiencing heart attack symptoms, as early treatment can prevent further complications, including cardiac arrest.
What else can cause cardiac arrest?
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Trauma – Such as a severe blunt impact to the chest in sports or a car crash, or a penetrating injury to the chest caused by a knife, gunshot, or glass/metal in a car crash. The penetrating object does not have to directly touch the heart to lead to cardiac arrest.
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Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Decreased blood flow from CAD can cause electrical problems in the heart, even without a heart attack.
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Heart defects present at birth (congenital) – Some of which may not be evident prior to the cardiac arrest.
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Enlarged heart – Such as with cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure.
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Heart valve problems – Such as leaking or narrowing of valves.
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Long QT syndrome – Which may be associated with certain diseases or certain medications. Young people with Long QT syndrome are especially at risk for sudden death from cardiac arrest.
Next week, we will talk about what you can do to help someone who is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, as well as how you can reduce your risk of these serious conditions.
If you have any questions about cardiac arrest, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor