Heart Attack Heart Attack: The 3 main differences you need to know

The terms "heart attack" and "heart arrest" are often used in the other's position, but they are not the same, so different strategies need to be dealt with.

It is good to know where the heart attack and stroke differ, so that we can provide first aid if we are witnessed in such an event.

Difference 1st: The cause
The most important difference between the two episodes is the cause of the two episodes. On the one hand, the heart attack is due to a problem in the bloodstream , while on the other hand the arrest is a result of a malfunction in the electrical circuit of the heart .

When someone is infected, the flow of blood to the heart is blocked due to the presence of a thrombus or the stenosis of an artery. As time passes and the heart attack is not treated, the greater the damage that arises, because as the heart lacks blood and oxygen its tissues begin to die. In the heart arrest there is no obstruction or blockage of blood circulation, but there is an electrical dysfunction that causes the heart to stop hitting, which means that no blood is given to any part of the body.

Difference 2nd: Symptoms
Since the heart continues to strike in the heart attack, while not in the cardiac arrest, the two episodes are manifested with different symptoms. Cardiac arrest leads to loss of consciousness (ie fainting) and interruption of heartbeats, which is why it can lead to death within minutes. In the heart attack, where the heart continues to strike (though with difficulty), pains (mainly in the chest, hand and jaw), dyspnoea and cold sweat are caused. Other possible symptoms of the heart attack are nausea and feeling tired. And the heart attack may prove fatal, but the window for medical intervention is bigger, since symptoms can be manifested hours, days or even weeks before the episode itself.

Difference 3rd: The deal
Both in the event of a heart attack and in the case of heart failure, immediate medical assistance needs to be provided. For heart failure specifically, until the ambulance arrives, the application of cardiopulmonary rejuvenation only with chest massage can keep the patient alive. Medical staff can then use a defibrillator to restore heartbeat.