Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack are two vastly different conditions.

Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. This condition causes the victim to lose consciousness, and even stop breathing.

A heart attack is a serious heart disturbance when the heart muscle does not receive blood flow. This situation affects the heart's function in circulating blood throughout the body. A heart attack can lead to death if not immediately addressed.

The heart has an internal electrical system that controls the heart's rhythm; several rhythm problems can arise if this internal electrical system is damaged. This condition is often closely related to other heart rhythm problems, like arrhythmias and heart attacks. Arrhythmias cause an irregular heart rhythm, while a heart attack is the death of heart muscle tissue due to the loss of oxygen-rich blood supply (myocardial infarction).

Both conditions can cause the heart to suddenly stop functioning. If not addressed immediately, cardiac arrest can lead to death or disability.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CARDIAC ARREST

Common symptoms of cardiac arrest include: • Sudden collapse • No pulse • Not breathing • Loss of consciousness

In some cases, before cardiac arrest occurs, some symptoms felt include: • Frequent recurrent chest pain • Racing and irregular heartbeat • Shortness of breath • Feeling of a fast heartbeat • Body feels weak

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

Cardiac arrest is a very dangerous condition; therefore, immediate medical attention is needed when experiencing cardiac arrest symptoms.

HEART ATTACK

It occurs due to restricted blood flow to the heart muscle, caused by blockage from cholesterol buildup that forms plaque in the coronary artery walls. The main cause of this condition is coronary heart disease.

HEART ATTACK TRIGGERS

Several heart attack triggers to be aware of: • Age factor. As age increases, so does the risk of heart disease. • A family history of heart disease. • Obesity. • Poor lifestyle. • Stress. In stressful conditions, the body releases the hormone cortisol, causing arterial stiffness.

SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK

Symptoms may include: • Chest pain, heavy breathing/shortness of breath, dizziness, restlessness, cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain • Some might not experience symptoms but directly go into cardiac arrest

PREVENTING A HEART ATTACK

Prevention can be done by leading a healthy life, such as: • Maintaining ideal body weight • Regular exercise • Quit smoking • Eating foods rich in fiber and good fats • Getting enough rest and sleep

Author: Prof. Dr. Ellyza Nasrul Sp.PK(K) (Head Doctor of PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 39, Padang).