The terms are used interchangeably, incorrectly by many laypersons. Both terms carry a strong gravitas to them, evoking fears in many people. Knowing the differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack is incredibly important, as is knowing the signs.
A heart attack is the result of a blocked artery preventing blood from reaching a part of the heart. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage, as the blocked artery is preventing nourishing blood from reaching the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack can be sudden or gradual, intense or mild. The symptoms may present differently in males than in females.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Males
• Pain, pressure, or squeezing in the center of the chest. It may go away and come back.
• Upper body pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, nausea, lightheadedness
Heart Attack Symptoms in Females
• Can be the same as men
• The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Females are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
A Heart Attack is a Circulation Problem that can lead to Cardiac Arrest.
Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often with no warning. It is a quick and sudden loss of heart function. It may be caused by an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). An arrhythmia may cause the heart to behave irregularly and flutter ineffectively, unable to pump blood throughout the body. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse.
Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is performed and a defibrillator is used to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm within a few minutes. Death can result quickly if proper steps aren’t taken immediately. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital each year in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.