Understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest can be life-saving. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different heart-related emergencies that require distinct medical interventions. Whether you live in Varanasi or anywhere else, knowing the signs and knowing what to do could help save a life.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about both conditions, based on insights from Dr. Ashish Jaiswal, a renowned cardiologist in Varanasi.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (medically known as myocardial infarction) occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually due to a blood clot. Without oxygenated blood, that portion of the heart muscle begins to die.
Common Causes:
- Blocked coronary artery
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
Key Points:
- It is a circulation problem.
- The heart usually does not stop beating.
- Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly.
What Is a Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. It disrupts the pumping action, stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.
Common Causes:
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Electrocution or trauma
Key Points:
- It is an electrical problem.
- Can happen without warning.
- The patient collapses and becomes unresponsive.
Symptoms of Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Recognizing symptoms early can save lives. Here’s a comparison:
Heart Attack Symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort (tightness or pressure)
- Pain in arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
Note: A heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest.
What to Do – Heart Attack vs Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Knowing how to respond makes a crucial difference.
What to Do During a Heart Attack:
- Call emergency medical help immediately.
- Keep the person calm.
- Make them sit and rest.
- Offer aspirin (if not allergic).
- Avoid giving food or water.
What to Do During a Cardiac Arrest:
- Call emergency services right away.
- Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately.
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.
- Continue CPR until medical help arrives.
Causes & Risk Factors
Understanding what leads to these conditions can help with prevention.
Heart Attack Causes:
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High LDL cholesterol
- Smoking
Cardiac Arrest Causes:
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Drug overdose
- Severe electrolyte imbalance
Which Is Worse? Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
While both are medical emergencies:
- A heart attack is dangerous but often survivable with quick medical attention.
- A cardiac arrest, if not treated within minutes, can be fatal. Survival rate drastically drops every minute without intervention.
Summary:
| Factor | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
| Cause | Blocked artery | Electrical failure |
| Onset | Gradual or sudden | Sudden |
| Consciousness | Often maintained | Lost immediately |
| Pulse | Present | Absent |
| Emergency Action | Medical help | CPR + Defibrillator |
Diagnosis and Tests
Dr. Ashish Jaiswal emphasizes timely diagnosis through:
For Heart Attack:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Blood Tests (Troponin)
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary Angiography
For Cardiac Arrest:
- ECG
- Blood Tests
- CT Scan or MRI (Post-survival)
- Electrophysiology tests
Treatment Options
Timely treatment is vital for both conditions.
Heart Attack Treatments:
- Medications (blood thinners, beta-blockers)
- Angioplasty
- Stent Placement
- Bypass surgery
Cardiac Arrest Treatments:
- Immediate CPR
- Defibrillation
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) for prevention
Prevention Tips
Preventing heart-related emergencies involves lifestyle and medical choices.
Prevent Heart Attacks:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Control diabetes and BP
- Manage stress
Prevent Cardiac Arrest:
- Regular heart checkups
- Treat arrhythmias early
- Monitor family history
- Avoid drug abuse
- Use ICDs when prescribed
When to See a Cardiologist – Dr. Ashish Jaiswal, Varanasi
If you have symptoms or risk factors, consulting a cardiologist is essential. Dr. Ashish Jaiswal, a top-rated interventional cardiologist in Varanasi, offers expert care at his clinic.
Services Provided:
- Advanced heart disease diagnosis
- Interventional cardiology procedures
- Preventive cardiology
- Long-term heart management
Contact Dr. Ashish Jaiswal:
- Phone: +91-9670703803
- Address: Madhav Market, Lanka, near BHU – Lanka Road, Chauraha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
- Website: https://drashishjaiswal.com
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest could be a matter of life or death. While both are serious, they differ in causes, symptoms, and emergency response. Quick action, awareness, and preventive care are key.
If you’re in Varanasi and concerned about your heart health, reach out to Dr. Ashish Jaiswal—one of the most trusted cardiologists in the region.