Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference? Life Can End in a Second
In July 2023, the sudden medical emergency of emerging American basketball star Bronny James captured global attention. The 18-year-old collapsed on the basketball court due to a sudden cessation of his heartbeat, requiring immediate hospitalization.
This incident was widely reported as a “heart attack,” but it’s important to understand that heart attacks and cardiac arrests are two distinct medical emergencies, both potentially fatal but very different in nature.
How the Heart Functions
The heart’s primary role is to pump blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. For the heart muscles to work efficiently, they rely on oxygen-rich blood supplied through coronary arteries. If these arteries are blocked, the heart muscles don’t get the necessary blood supply, leading to a malfunction in the heart's performance, which can cause either a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to a lack of blood flow. This typically happens when a coronary artery is blocked, often due to a condition called atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. There are four main types of cardiac arrest, including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity, and asystole. When the heartbeat stops, the heart can no longer pump blood, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- No detectable pulse or heartbeat
- Stopping of breathing
- Skin turning pale or bluish
The Connection Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
While both conditions stem from heart malfunctions, the causes and effects differ. A heart attack results from injury or death of the heart muscle, while cardiac arrest arises from an electrical issue causing the heart to stop. A heart attack can increase the likelihood of a cardiac arrest, but the two events are not the same.
Understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest is crucial, as both conditions require immediate medical attention but differ in their causes and treatment. A heart attack typically damages the heart muscles, while cardiac arrest directly affects the heart’s electrical activity, stopping it from beating altogether.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions or relying on treatments.
