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Hygeia Hospital: Heart attack vs cardiac arrest, how to understand the difference between them

2025-09-12 08:40:00, Shëndeti CNA

Hygeia Hospital: Heart attack vs cardiac arrest, how to understand the

Many people think that heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing – but they are not. Understanding the difference between them can save lives.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood fails to circulate to a part of the heart. The main cause is blockage of the heart's blood vessels. When the circulation is interrupted, the heart muscle begins to be damaged.

Main symptoms:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back

• Excessive sweating

• Difficulty breathing

• Nausea or dizziness

Symptoms don't always appear immediately – they often start slowly and get worse over time.

Main causes: fats in the arteries, hypertension, smoking, stress, diabetes and unhealthy eating habits.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is completely different from a heart attack. It occurs suddenly, when the heart stops beating. As a result, blood no longer flows to the brain and other vital organs. The person loses consciousness, stops breathing, and falls to the ground. This is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate treatment.

The most common causes: electrical problems in the heart, cardiac disease, severe trauma, drowning, heart rhythm disorders, even without warning in healthy people.

How should you act?

Heart attack (First aid):

1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Keep the person calm and seated

3. Give aspirin (if there is no allergy)

4. Loosen tight clothes

In cardiac arrest:

1. Report the emergency without wasting time

2. Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately. Quickly check if the unconscious person is breathing. If you notice that they are not breathing, start CPR. Press both hands quickly and firmly on the person's chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions and continue to perform CPR until medical personnel arrive.

3. Use an AED (automatic external defibrillator), if available

4. Continue until the emergency medical team arrives.

concluSIon

Although both are dangerous conditions, a heart attack is a circulatory problem, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem of the heart. Recognizing the signs – such as chest pain or sudden collapse – and responding quickly with the right help can save lives.

If you have risk factors or a history of heart disease, don't neglect it, but consult and have regular checkups with a cardiologist!

Hygeia Hospital: Heart attack vs cardiac arrest, how to understand the