What’s the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when the flow of the blood to the heart is reduced or blocked. The reason the blockage occurs is usually due to cholesterol, buildup of fat or other substances in the coronary arteries.

Generally speaking, a heart attack is when the blood supply to the heart is cut off. The heart continues to pump blood during a heart attack and can lead to a cardiac arrest.

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body and they stop breathing normally. The symptoms will appear suddenly when the person suffering the cardiac arrest becomes unresponsive, unconscious and stops breathing or breathing normally.

A cardiac arrest can be caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia that can happen if the heart’s electrical system is functioning correctly.

There are many conditions that can lead to dangerous heart conditions, such as a genetic disorder known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, hypoxia, congenital heart disease, amongst others.

Recovery from cardiac arrest

Patients must be monitored as doctors try to figure out what caused the cardiac arrest. They will try to find the best treatment and medication to help the patient with rehabilitation. All cases are different, but rehab, exercise.

Some people recover completely and can return to work and will be able to carry out daily activities as they did before the incident occurred. Recovery is different for everyone and regular assessment, health education and medical support will be required.