It is often seen that people get confused between the two terms heart attack and cardiac arrest. However, they both are different conditions, and one must know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest to identify the symptoms and take necessary preliminary measures for its treatment. In case of a heart attack, the flow of blood to the heart is interrupted making it stop beating slowly. However, a cardiac arrest makes the person collapse as their heart organ stops functioning.
Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack
To understand the difference between the two, you will have to look for the difference in symptoms between these two.
In case of a heart attack, these following symptoms are observed –
Chest pain
Anxiety
Chest pain may spread to arms, neck, jaw, abdomen, and back.
Cough
Weakness
Dizziness
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
In case of cardiac arrest, these following symptoms can be seen –
Shortness of breath.
No pulse to be found.
Affected person becomes unconscious or unresponsive.
Further, refer to the table drawn below to understand the difference between cardiac arrest and heart failure.
Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart failure.
Despite the differences, both cardiac arrest and heart attack are severe conditions which can be life-threatening if not cured in time. In either situation, it is imperative to call help and seek emergency medical attention to treat the patient in order to save their life.
Multiple-choice questions
Choose an Appropriate Option Regarding The Cardiac Arrest.
a) The heart stopped beating.
b) The heart has not stopped beating and is beating very slowly.
c) Heartbeat is regular.
d) Irregular heartbeat.
Ans: a
Choose The Right Option Whichever is True Regarding Cardiac Arrest
The heart has stopped functioning or beating.
There is some electrical malfunction in the deceased heart.
It can lead to the death of the affected individual.
All of the above
Ans: d
You must know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest so that you can differentiate between their symptoms and seek the necessary treatment immediately. Besides, learning this also helps you progress in your academic ventures.
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FAQs on Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
1. What is the difference between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
Ans: Heart attack is caused due to clotting of blood in the arteries or blockage in arteries, whereas cardiac arrest can be a sudden stop in a heartbeat because of a drug overdose, ventricular fibrillation, etc.
2. What are the reasons behind Cardiac Arrest?
Ans: The most common reason for a cardiac arrest is the malfunction of an electrical system of the heart. This is most common with patients having a heart attack problem or high blood pressure.
3. What is the Course of Action to Cure a Person having Cardiac Arrest?
Ans: Cardiac arrest is a situation which can be reversed if necessary medical attention is provided in due time. It is a time sensitive medical condition, and it is important that you seek medical assistance immediately.
