💔 Difference Between Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
Although people often confuse them, sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack are very different medical emergencies. Here's a simple comparison:
🚨 1. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
🔹 What it is:
A sudden stoppage of the heart’s electrical activity, causing the heart to stop beating effectively.
🔹 Cause:
-
Electrical malfunction in the heart (arrhythmia)
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Ventricular fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm)
🔹 Symptoms (happen instantly):
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Person collapses suddenly
-
No pulse, no breathing
-
Becomes unconscious
-
Death occurs in minutes without treatment
🔹 Emergency Treatment:
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CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
-
Defibrillator (AED) shock to restart heart
❤️ 2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
🔹 What it is:
A blockage in the coronary arteries that stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
🔹 Cause:
-
Plaque buildup (cholesterol, fat) in arteries
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Blood clot forming in narrowed artery
🔹 Symptoms (gradual or sudden):
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Chest pain or pressure (often left side)
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Pain spreading to arm, neck, jaw, or back
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Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea
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Can remain conscious during a heart attack
🔹 Emergency Treatment:
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Aspirin, clot-busting drugs
-
Angioplasty or stent (to reopen blocked artery)
🩺 Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Sudden Cardiac Arrest | Heart Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Electrical | Circulatory (blood flow) |
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual or sudden |
| Consciousness | Lost immediately | Often remains conscious |
| Heartbeat | Stops completely | Usually still beating |
| Survival | Requires CPR/AED immediately | Urgent but slower onset |
| Cause | Abnormal rhythm | Blocked artery |
❗ Can One Cause the Other?
Yes. A heart attack can sometimes trigger sudden cardiac arrest, but they are not the same.
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