Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack? What You Need to Know

Every second counts when it comes to a heart emergency. Yet, many don’t know about Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack. Both are serious, but they are not the same.

Let’s understand this better:

Heart Attack: What Does It Mean?

A heart problems symptoms happens when there is no flow of blood to the heart of a person. This is usually because something is blocking the blood flow, like a clot or fat in the blood vessels. When there is not enough blood reaching to heart, it gets damaged. The person is usually awake and may feel chest pain tightness or pressure. It is important to get the help right away to stop more damage.

Signs or Symptoms of a Heart Attack:-

• Heaviness or discomfort in the chest- You may feel a tightness or pressure in your chest, as if a heavy object rested on it.

• Back pain, neck pain, and arm pain-Pain from a heart attack doesn’t stay in the chest. It may spread to your neck, back, and arms. You might not feel well at that time

• Shortness of breath-It can suddenly become hard to breathe, even while resting.

• Feeling dizzy: You may suddenly feel weak, or as if you might fall or pass out.

Cardiac Arrest: What Does It Mean?

Cardiac arrest happens when a heart of person stops responding. Because there is no flow of blood to the brain and body, the person may faint, stop breathing, and not respond at all. It happens very quickly and is very serious. If no help is given right away, it can be life-threatening.

Signs or Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest:-

• Sudden Collapse- The person may fall down suddenly and become unresponsive.

• Chest Pain Before Collapse – In some cases, there might be chest discomfort or pain right before collapsing.

• Heartbeat Stops– The heart stops working during cardiac arrest, so there’s no heartbeat.

• Skin or Lips Turn Blue – When the heart stops, then oxygen also stops reaching the body. This makes the person’s lips, fingertips, or skin look blue. It’s a clear signal that the body lacks proper oxygen supply

Cardiac arrest vs Heart attack

• Heart attack: Blood can’t reach the heart because some blood clots are blocking the way.

• Cardiac arrest: The heart suddenly stops beating.

• Heart attack: Chest pain, suffocation, dizziness, pain in the arm, and back.

• Cardiac arrest: The system that controls the heartbeat fails suddenly.

• Heart attack: When a blood vessel to the heart gets blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

How to Lower the Risk Through Homecare

While not all heart emergencies can be prevented, good care at home can lower the risk of both heart attacks and cardiac arrest. Here are various things to follow:

• Eat healthy food
• Stay active
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress

Homecare Support Can Help

With a trained nurse at home, you can get support like

• Monitor your vital signs regularly
• Help with medication and diet
• Encourage daily movement and exercise
• Offer emotional support and stress relief

Conclusion:

Knowing the cardiac arrest vs heart attack can save lives. Both are dangerous heart problems that need fast action and attention. By understanding the symptoms, home health care services , and getting regular checkups, you can lower your risk.

With  support from trained caregivers or nurses at home, you or your loved ones can get the right care, comfort, and early help when it’s needed the most.