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Many people confuse a heart attack with a cardiac arrest, but these two medical emergencies are different in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment. Although both diseases affect the heart and can be life-threatening, they follow different pathways in the body. Understanding their differences can help people respond more quickly and accurately in an emergency. A heart attack is usually caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, while a cardiac arrest involves a complete cessation of heart function, explains renowned cardiologist Dr. Leah Mirsafai. This differentiation plays an important role in recognition, response and survival. What happens during a heart attack? A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blockage cuts off blood flow in one or more coronary arteries. Fatty deposits, known as plaque, can build up inside these arteries over time. When one of them tears, a clot may form that blocks blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. Without enough oxygen, that part of the muscle begins to die, and in most heart attacks, the person remains conscious. They usually feel severe chest pain, pressure, or tightness. Sometimes the pain spreads to the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach. Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea and dizziness often occur. Unlike cardiac arrest, the heart continues to beat during a heart attack, although its function is weakened. What causes cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood due to an electrical defect. This interruption in the heart's rhythm, known as an arrhythmia, prevents blood from reaching the brain, lungs, and other organs. Without blood circulation, a person loses consciousness and stops breathing within seconds. If someone does not revive the heart with CPR or defibrillation, death occurs within minutes. Dr. Leah Mirsafai emphasizes that ventricular fibrillation, an irregular and fast heartbeat, often causes cardiac arrest. Other causes include severe heart attacks, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and electrolyte imbalances. A sudden shock, such as a blow to the chest or an electric shock, can also stop the heart. What are the symptoms? Heart attack symptoms usually develop gradually. Most people experience chest discomfort, but not everyone feels pain. Women may experience unusual fatigue, indigestion, or jaw pain. People can stay awake and alert even with severe heart damage. Some even go to the emergency room after a heart attack. Cardiac arrest occurs without warning. A person may suddenly pass out, stop breathing and lose a pulse. They do not respond to shaking or yelling. Their skin may turn pale or blue due to lack of oxygen. Unlike heart attack victims, cardiac arrest patients never remain conscious unless someone intervenes immediately. Can a heart attack lead to cardiac arrest? Yes, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. In fact, heart attacks cause most cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults. When the heart muscle is damaged, the risk of arrhythmia increases. If the electrical signals don't work properly, the heart can go into a fatal rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation. Without prompt action, this condition turns into cardiac arrest. Dr. Leah Mirsafai notes that doctors closely monitor heart attack patients to prevent such complications. They use EKGs and blood tests to track heart function and detect irregular rhythms early. Hospitals also keep defibrillators nearby to use if the heart stops beating. How do doctors treat heart attacks and cardiac arrest? Doctors treat heart attacks by restoring blood flow as quickly as possible. They often use medications such as aspirin to thin the blood and break up clots. In more serious cases, doctors insert a catheter into the blocked artery and insert a stent to keep it open. This procedure, called angioplasty, allows blood to return to the heart muscle. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or even surgery after the patient has recovered. In contrast, cardiac arrest requires emergency intervention outside the hospital. Bystanders on the scene should call for help, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. An AED delivers an electrical shock to the heart that can restore a normal rhythm. If no one helps, the person will die within minutes. Paramedics then provide advanced care during transport to the hospital. Who is most at risk? People with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of smoking are at increased risk for heart attack. Obesity, stress and lack of exercise also increase this possibility. Men over 45 and postmenopausal women are often at greatest risk. Cardiac arrest often affects people with known or unknown heart disease. Athletes with undiagnosed heart defects sometimes pass out without warning. People who have already had a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia are at higher risk. Drug abuse, severe infections, and genetic disorders can also cause cardiac arrest. How can people prevent these diseases? People can reduce their risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest by adopting heart-healthy habits. Regular exercise, balanced diet and stress management play a key role. People should quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and get regular checkups. Dr. Leah Mirsafai advises her patients to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar regularly. He encourages early treatment of any heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain or palpitations. By early management of risk factors, patients can protect their heart and avoid emergencies. Why is public awareness important? Public awareness plays a vital role in saving human lives. Many people do not know how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Some are hesitant to ask for help or are afraid to perform CPR. General education helps people to act confidently and quickly in emergency situations. Dr. Leah Mirsafai supports training programs that teach the use of CPR and AED. He believes that schools, workplaces and communities should include this training in their safety programs. By educating more people, communities can improve survival rates in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. **concluding remarks**
Both heart attacks and cardiac arrest threaten human lives, but they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment. A heart attack is caused by blocked arteries and usually has warning signs. Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and stops the heart completely. Understanding these differences will help people take the right actions in an emergency
Thanks to experts like Dr. Leah Mirsafai, patients now receive better education and care. His work has helped many people to recognize dangers early and make life-saving decisions. The more people learn the facts, the more they can protect themselves and others from the dangers of heart disease.
