Anil Aggarwal’s son died of cardiac arrest, not heart attack: Know the key differences

It is important to learn the distinction between cardiac arrest and heart attack to save lives. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

• Cardiac arrest and heart attack require different emergency responses.
• Heart attack needs quick care; cardiac arrest requires CPR and defibrillation
• Recognizing symptoms and acting fast can save lives in both conditions

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Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are commonly misunderstood, despite being two very different medical emergencies. Knowing the crucial differences between them and what to do in a hurry can save lives.

Cardiac emergencies are some of the most severe conditions and time-sensitive medical issues, yet many people use cardiac arrest and heart attack interchangeably. The sudden death of Anil Agarwal's son due to cardiac arrest has once again brought focus on a life-saving distinction.

According to doctors, this confusion might delay the administration of a lifesaving treatment. Although they are heart-related conditions, they are very different in terms of causes, symptoms, nature and first aid measures.

"Being familiar with the signs isn't just medical knowledge — it's survival knowledge," says Dr. Arvind Kumar, MD, FACC — Consultant Cardiologist & Specialist in Cardiovascular Medicine “Cardiac arrest and heart attack need very different immediate responses, and being able to act quickly can make the difference between life and death.”

A heart attack is triggered by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, whereas cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical malfunction in which the heart beats irregularly (arrhythmia) or stops beating altogether. One can induce the other, but they do not constitute the same event.

By recognizing the warning signs and by knowing what to do first, you could save not only your life but also the lives of others in your household.

Cause of the Condition

A heart attack happens when one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become blocked, often by a build-up of plaque, and oxygenated blood cannot reach the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is instead the result of an electrical failure that abruptly causes the heart to stop pumping blood.

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Characteristics of the emergency

Heart attacks frequently start slowly, with the victim experiencing symptoms over minutes or even hours. Cardiac arrest is sudden and unexpected, occurring in an instant when the heart suddenly ceases its function. This renders cardiac arrest far more imminently life-threatening without instantaneous intervention.

Presence of Pulse

In a heart attack, the heart typically is still beating — meaning the person has a pulse. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to produce a pulse. This lack of circulation can destroy organs in minutes if not treated.

Consciousness Level

Those having a heart attack usually are awake and able to communicate even if they're in pain. When cardiac arrest occurs, the person goes limp and unresponsive virtually immediately.

Breathing Patterns

In a heart attack, breathing may be short, rapid or uncomfortable but does not stop. During cardiac arrest, the patient either stops breathing altogether, or experiences irregular gasping sounds. These gasps are not adequate breathing and are a sign of a medical emergency.

Pain Experience

Chest discomfort or pressure is typically one of the main symptoms of a heart attack, and it can spread to the arms, jaw, neck and back. In cardiac arrest, there may be no pain. Instead, they fall suddenly, with not even a hint of warning that something was wrong.

Immediate Treatment Required

Heart attacks demand immediate medical attention, including drugs and procedures to open blood flow, typically in a hospital. If a cardiac arrest occur, immediate CPR and AED defibrillation is required. Without intervention within minutes as the odds of survival drop off steeply.

Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient

Survival Window

Surviving a heart attack comes down to receiving medical treatment as quickly as possible, sometimes within hours. Surviving cardiac arrest is all about what happens in the first couple of minutes. The chances of survival and risk of brain damage decrease for every minute without CPR or a defibrillator.

What to do when you feel symptoms early on

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness or sudden weakness you should call emergency services immediately. Sit or lie down in a cool, comfortable place and stay as relaxed as possible. If someone is unresponsive or collapses, start CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.

FAQs on cardiac arrest vs heart attack:

1. Are cardiac arrest and heart attack the same?

No. A heart attack is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest is a sudden electrical failure that stops the heart.

2. What happens during a heart attack?

Blood flow to part of the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, causing chest pain and damage.

3. What happens during cardiac arrest?

The heart suddenly stops beating, leading to loss of consciousness and breathing.

4. Which is more dangerous: cardiac arrest or heart attack?

Cardiac arrest is immediately life-threatening and requires instant CPR and defibrillation.

5. Can a heart attack lead to cardiac arrest?

Yes, a heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest if not treated quickly.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.