Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops circulating blood throughout the body, and it appears when there is a problem with the electrical impulses in the heart. When the heart stops circulating blood, the brain loses oxygen, causing the individual to become breathless and, ultimately, unconscious.
It can occur for various reasons, the most frequent of which is a heart attack. In addition, people with genetic heart issues or difficulties with their heart’s power system are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest suddenly lose consciousness and collapse. Early warning indications of impending cardiac arrest are mild chest discomfort, breathlessness, unsettledness, and dizziness. People frequently disregard these indications, yet they are among the most prevalent red flags of cardiac arrest. Stress, as well as nutritional supplements, can have a negative influence on the heart. Good health and a decent, nutritious, and balanced diet can lower the risk of cardiac arrest.
Does heart attack mean cardiac arrest?
It is typical for persons with less medical expertise to mix a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. Although they sound similar, they are not the same. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a condition that develops when there is an abrupt interruption of blood supply to the heart.
When the blood supply to a section of the heart gets reduced or stopped, the region provided by the artery begins to die; it is referred to as infarction in medical language. The heart is still pumping and working, but perhaps not as effective. The more a heart region is not receiving blood, the less likely it will heal.
In cardiac arrest, the heart abruptly stops functioning. It is usually due to a malfunction with the heart’s ‘electrical’ mechanism. As a result, there is no blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. If you ever see someone suddenly fall, he may only have a few times before his body suffers permanent harm. Then, they need emergency medical assistance. Therefore, one needs to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until professional medical help comes.
Although the two problems are separate, there is a link. A cardiac arrest can occur in specific heart attack situations; however, the most common reason for a cardiac arrest is a heart attack. In addition, other problems that might influence the heart’s electrical system, like cardiomyopathies (muscle disease) and electrolyte problems, can potentially induce cardiac arrest.
Pain, exhaustion, and breathlessness are signs of a heart attack, while a cardiac arrest results in an almost rapid unconsciousness. A heart attack is a circulatory problem, but an abrupt cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.
What are the chances of survival?
A person’s odds of survival after a cardiac arrest or heart attack vary significantly. However, survival is dependent on receiving CPR from someone close promptly, about 90% of persons who experience cardiac arrests out-of-hospital die. CPR, specifically if administered during the initial few moments of a cardiac arrest, has increased a person’s chances of survival.
Less deadly heart attacks do not have high mortality rates because a clogged artery may be reopened rapidly with the correct therapy. The therapy objective for a cardiac arrest is to reestablish flow and the electric rhythm, whereas treatment for a heart attack aims to unblock clogged arteries and reestablish blood flow. If someone experiences a cardiac arrest, it is critical to phone for help, begin CPR, and get the individual to the hospital if they go through a heart attack.
