Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Do you know the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest?
Today, we will discuss the difference.
A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a medical emergency that occurs when a portion of the heart is deprived of oxygen because of blockage of one of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with blood.
Symptoms of a myocardial infarction may include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in other parts of your upper body including one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or abdomen
- Nausea or stomach cramping
- Dizziness
- Cold Sweat
- Shortness of breath
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.
Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
So heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) is a circulation problem with the heart and sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical complication with the heart.
Call 911 and get help fast.
Image sourced from www.defibssavelives.org
