What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
.jpeg)
Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are both serious heart events, but they differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here’s a detailed look at each condition, highlighting their distinctions, symptoms, causes, and emergency responses. 1. What is a Heart Attack? A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. This blockage, often due to a buildup of plaque (a combination of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in the coronary arteries, prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the affected area of the heart. Without oxygen, heart tissue can quickly become damaged and begin to die. Causes of a Heart Attack: Plaque Buildup (Atherosclerosis): Over time, plaque can build up on the walls of the coronary arteries, narrowing them. If a piece of plaque breaks off, it can form a clot that blocks blood flow. Spasms in Coronary Arteries: Less commonly, a sudden spasm of a coronary artery can restrict blood...