CARDIAC ARREST VERSUS HEART ATTACK

A heart attack is often confused with cardiac arrest. In fact, these are two distinctly different problems. We explain how sudden cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack.

WHAT IS CARDIAC ARREST?
Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem and occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.

Cardiac arrest is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular, chaotic heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, he heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs.

WHAT HAPPENS
Cardiac arrest can occur without warning, but may be preceded by palpitations, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath. Seconds later, a person collapses, becomes unresponsive (unconscious), is not breathing or is only gasping. Death occurs within minutes unless emergency CPR is started, or if an AED (automated external defibrillator) is used on them.

WHAT TO DO
A person whose heart stops beating can be revived, but only if treatment starts quickly enough to ensure they don't suffer from brain damage.

A CARDIAC ARREST IS AN EXTREME EMERGENCY!
Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation is needed to have any chance of survival. You can increase the person's chances of survival by calling for an ambulance and giving immediate CPR. If a defibrillator (an automated external defibrillator - AED for short), which restarts the heart by giving an electric shock, is available, use it as soon as possible. If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls an ambulance and finds an AED.

CPR is invaluable in keeping a person's heart beating long enough until paramedics arrive and take over treatment.

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death.

RISK FACTORS
• Prior heart disease is a major risk for cardiac arrest.
• A family history of cardiac arrest in a first-degree relative is associated with an approximate two-fold increase in risk of cardiac arrest.

WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?
A heart attack is a "circulation" problem caused by a blockage in one or more of the heart's arteries. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A network of coronary arteries surrounds the heart muscle and supplies it with blood that is rich in oxygen. The heart needs this oxygen to function. These arteries can become clogged by a build -up of plaque (cholesterol and fatty deposits) on the inner walls of the arteries, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This build-up of plaque can block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack may occur.

WHAT HAPPENS
Symptoms of a heart attack may be immediate and may include:
• Chest pain or intense discomfort in the centre of the chest; also described as a heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness or squeezing feeling that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It is sometimes mistakenly thought to be indigestion or heartburn.
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Sweating or "cold sweat."
• Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling (may feel like "heartburn").
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Light-headedness, dizziness, extreme weakness or anxiety.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats.

More often symptoms start slowly and persists for hours, days or weeks before a heart attack. Unlike with cardiac arrest, the heart does not stop beating during a heart attack. But, the longer the person goes without treatment, the greater the damage. Women may have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and they can have back, neck or jaw pain.

WHAT TO DO
CALL AN AMBULANCE AND SAY YOU THINK SOMEONE IS HAVING A HEART ATTACK.
Emergency medical services staff (paramedics) can begin treatment when they arrive and to revive someone whose heart has stopped. If you think someone is having a heart attack:

LOOK FOR THE FOUR Ps:
1. Pain - a continuous pain in the chest, which could spread to the jaw, neck or arms
2. Pale skin
3. Pulse that is rapid or weak
4. Perspiration/sweating

Help move them into the most comfortable position. The best position is on the floor leaning against a wall with knees bent and head and shoulders supported. This should ease the pressure on their heart and stop them hurting themselves if they collapse. Be aware that they may develop shock. Shock does not mean emotional shock, but is a life-threatening condition, which can be brought on by a heart attack.

KEEP CHECKING THEIR BREATHING, PULSE AND LEVEL OF RESPONSE.
If they lose responsiveness at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to treat someone who has become unresponsive. You may need to do CPR.

WHAT IS THE LINK?
Cardiac arrest may occur as a result of a heart attack, but everyone who suffers a heart attack does not have a cardiac arrest or need CPR.

Source: American Heart Association