What is the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack?

What is the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack?

The year started darkly for the players of the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals when an alarming incident occurred during their NFL game in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 2, 2023. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the first quarter that left the stadium in shock.

Quick medical help arrived in the form of emergency responders who handled the situation efficiently: they removed Hamlin's helmet, administered oxygen from a portable cylinder, and performed CPR for approximately eight minutes before transporting him to a nearby hospital. The seriousness of the situation was later confirmed by the Bills organization in a press statement, which stated that Hamlin had suffered cardiac arrest following an on-field collision.

Although Hamlin's heartbeat was restored on the field and he was in critical condition at the hospital, the cause of the sudden cardiac arrest remained unknown.

Cardiac arrest explained

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, often due to irregularities in the heart's electrical system. This can occur in people with or without underlying heart disease or coronary artery disease (CHD). During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively, which can cause the person to become unresponsive or gasping for air.

In the Damar Hamlin scenario, the unexpected force and chest impact from the soccer game appeared to trigger the cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, death can occur within minutes if immediate intervention such as CPR or the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is not provided.

Heart attack vs. cardiac arrest

Although the terms “cardiac arrest” and “heart attack” are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand their difference. Essentially, a heart attack can be viewed as a “circulatory” problem, while cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem.

Decoding heart attacks

In contrast to cardiac arrest, heart attacks are usually triggered by long-standing circulatory problems, despite their sudden onset. A majority of heart attacks are caused by CAD, a disease characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to the heart.

When artery passageway narrows - a phenomenon known as atherosclerosis - the heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to chest pain or angina, the key indicator of coronary artery disease and a precursor to a heart attack. Other symptoms include weakness, lightheadedness, nausea or cold sweats, pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder, and shortness of breath.

During a heart attack, the heart's blood flow is either blocked or significantly slowed. If the blocked artery is not reopened promptly, the part of the heart that relies on it can suffer irreversible damage.

Statistics and studies

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. 655,000 Americans die from it every year. Of these, around 805,000 suffer a heart attack every year. On the other hand, nearly 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital, according to the American Heart Association.

Stress is a significant risk factor for heart attacks and cardiac arrests, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It concluded that people with high levels of stress are more likely to suffer from these life-threatening illnesses. Given the strong link between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease, monitoring and managing stress levels is critical.

Lifestyle changes to improve heart health

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest:

• Regelmäßige Bewegung: Regelmäßige Bewegung mittlerer Intensität trägt dazu bei, ein gesundes Gewicht zu halten und senkt das Risiko von Herzerkrankungen.
• Ausgewogene Ernährung: Der Verzehr einer Ernährung, die reich an Obst, Gemüse, magerem Eiweiß und Vollkornprodukten ist, kann das Risiko von Herzerkrankungen deutlich senken. Es wird auch empfohlen, Salz, Zucker und ungesunde Fette einzuschränken.
• Nicht rauchen: Rauchen erhöht das Risiko von Herzerkrankungen und anderen Gesundheitsproblemen. Daher wirkt sich die Raucherentwöhnung positiv auf die allgemeine Herzgesundheit aus.
• Mäßiger Alkoholkonsum: Wenn Sie Alkohol konsumieren, tun Sie dies am besten in Maßen.
• Stressbewältigung: Dazu gehören Strategien wie Meditation, Yoga oder einfach Zeit in der Natur oder mit geliebten Menschen verbringen.

The events surrounding Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during the NFL game highlight the importance of understanding the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Each disease presents unique challenges and risk factors that require rapid and specific responses.

While stress is an undeniable link in the chain that leads to both heart attacks and cardiac arrests, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices and overall health all play an important role in the cardiac healthcare landscape. Adopting heart-healthy habits and understanding the signs and symptoms of these life-threatening conditions can actually make a difference. Knowledge is the first line of defense in the fight against these silent killers. As always, consult a healthcare professional for individualized advice based on individual health conditions and needs.

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