This article discusses the differences and symptoms of cardiac arrest vs. heart attack.
Heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest, but not always.
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether.
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People who suffer from cardiac arrest suddenly lose a pulse, stop breathing, and become unconscious.
If you see someone collapse, assume they are in cardiac arrest and call 911.
Aheart attackoccurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted.
Cardiac Arrest Care
Cardiac arrest requires immediate intervention to support heart function.
CPR
CPR should be started as soon as possible after observing a cardiac arrest.
EvenCPR from an untrainedperson can help.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)are available in some public areas.
Immediate intervention from a medical provider and CPR from a bystander can help improve the chances of survival.
Heart attacks that don’t progress to the point of cardiac arrest have abetter outlook.
As many as 90% of people now survive heart attacksa vast improvement from 50 years ago.
Advanced cardiac careincluding cardiac catheterization, stents, and medication managementhas helped improve survival rates.
However, it also means more people live with cardiac or heart failure problems.
Prevention Measures
Caring for your heart can help you avoid heart attack and cardiac arrest.
Summary
Cardiac arrest and heart attacks require immediate medical treatment to avoid severe and ongoing health problems.
If you witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest, intervening with CPR or BLS may help save their life.
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