01/15/2023
CARDIAC ARREST VS HEART ATTACK🫀 These terms are commonly interchanged as the same, however they are different! Let's discuss the differences:
• CARDIAC ARREST occurs when the heart malfunctions and stop beating unexpectedly. It is triggered by an electrical issue in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat. With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood throughout the body to the lungs, brain, and other organs.
So what happens?
Seconds later the person will become unresponsive, apneic or is only gasping and death can occur within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.
What can you do?
Cardiac arrest can be reversible if it's treated immediately with highly quality BLS!!
•HEART ATTACK?
A HEART ATTACK occurs when blood flow to the heart is BLOCKED. It's is a circulation issue!
A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching certain areas of the heart, if the circulation is not restored- parts of the heart nourished by that artery will start to die.
What happens?
Symptoms may vary depending on gender however typical symptoms may include intense chest discomfort or upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and/or nausea/vomiting. Most often symptoms start slowly and persist for hours, days or even weeks before a heart attack actually occurs. A heart attack can occur without a cardiac arrest taking place.
What to do?
Even if you are not sure if you are having a heart attack, call 911 and go to your nearest emergency department.