Recognizing the differences is not just crucial for medical professionals but also the general public, given the implications for immediate treatment
Dr Niranjan Hiremath is a senior consultant cardiovascular, aortic surgeon and the surgical lead of the Apollo Hospital differentiates between heart attack and cardiac arrest
As India grapples with an escalating number of heart-related ailments, the distinctions between a heart attack and cardiac arrest come to the forefront, with both terms often mistakenly used interchangeably. Recognizing the differences is not just crucial for medical professionals but also the general public, given the implications for immediate treatment.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes obstructed, primarily due to blockages in the coronary arteries. The heart receives its blood supply via two main coronary arteries, the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery. A significant blockage in these arteries can induce a heart attack.
Contrastingly, cardiac arrest represents an abrupt cessation in the heart’s pumping action, often resulting from electrical disturbances or structural heart conditions like cardiomyopathy. It can strike suddenly, often without any warning signs.
Dr Hiremath, notes, “It’s imperative to understand that while a heart attack pertains to blood flow issues due to blockages, cardiac arrest deals with the cessation of heart function. A heart attack can precipitate a cardiac arrest, but not the inverse.”
While the root causes of a heart attack typically include lifestyle factors such as smoking, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, or having a family history of heart conditions, the triggers for cardiac arrest are distinct. For instance, severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition often undetected in younger people, can cause cardiac arrest, especially after intense physical activities like sports or weightlifting. Trauma to the chest is another potential instigator.
The manifestations of both conditions are markedly different. Those experiencing a heart attack might report severe chest pain, which can spread to the back, left arm, shoulder, or jaw. They may also display symptoms like profuse sweating even in the absence of physical activity, dizziness, or fainting. In contrast, cardiac arrest often happens suddenly, with the affected person collapsing instantaneously. While some might experience chest pain or dizziness before the event, many have no forewarning.
Timely medical intervention is paramount for both conditions. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the survival rate for heart attack patients can approach a remarkable 95%. However, cardiac arrest outcomes are less optimistic, with survival rates ranging between 10% to 15%.
As heart diseases continue to challenge India’s healthcare system, awareness campaigns highlighting the differences between these two cardiac events are essential. Correct identification can expedite life-saving treatments, underscoring the importance of public awareness.
