You must have heard the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest being used interchangeably. But you will be amazed to know that a heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different medical emergencies. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. But a cardiac arrest is a condition when your heart stops beating suddenly. Let’s understand these two terms in detail. This is why it is recommended to opt for a full heart checkup package and have your heart tested periodically.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction or MI, happens due to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which blocks the blood flow to the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack are
- Difficulty breathing
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pain in areas like the neck, arms, and back
- Chest pain
You can opt for an ECG or EKG lab test in Mumbai if you experience any of these symptoms.
Causes of a heart attack
One of the most common causes of a heart attack is CAD, or coronary artery disease. CAD is a condition in which plaque buildup narrows or blocks the arteries. Some of the risk factors include
- Chronic stress
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Hypertension
- Obesity and diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
What is cardiac arrest?
An unexpected loss of heart function due to an electrical malfunction can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, which in turn causes a cardiac arrest. The heart stops beating as it cannot pump any blood into the brain and other organs of the body. A cardiac arrest can even result in the death of the person if left untreated. You can look for a full heart checkup package or get your EKG lab test in Mumbai done as a precautionary measure. Symptoms of cardiac arrest are
- No pulse
- Sudden collapse
- Abnormal breathing
Cardiac arrest is not always accompanied by chest pain, unlike a heart attack.
Causes of a heart attack
Here are a few reasons why cardiac arrest occurs
- Serious trauma
- Excessive drinking
- A heart attack, which ultimately leads to a cardiac arrest
- Narrowed arteries
- Genetic heart condition
How can you prevent a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
You can prevent these medical conditions with a healthy lifestyle and early medical attention. It is also advised to get your 2D echo test done regularly as a precautionary measure.
Prevention of a heart attack
- Consume a healthy diet that includes fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
- Perform activities like yoga, meditation, and hobbies that help reduce stress.
- Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Maintain blood sugar levels.
- Perform regular physical activities.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight
- Opt for the full heart checkup package.
Prevention of cardiac arrest
- Look for warning signs like fainting, dizziness, etc.
- Know your family history.
- Follow a lifestyle that is healthy for your heart.
- Take prescribed medications and get a 2D echo test done on a regular basis.
To Sum It Up
A severe heart attack can trigger a cardiac arrest as it disrupts the heart’s rhythm. This is why it is very important to act fast in case you experience any symptoms related to a heart attack. If you watch out for signs, stay calm, and act fast, you can make all the difference. In simple words, it can be said that a heart attack is a plumbing problem while a cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. So, opt for an EKG lab test in Mumbai today and protect your heart.
