General culture test. What is the difference between cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction?
Most likely, we all have come across these terms several times by now. But have you ever wondered if there is any difference between cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction?
Well, the answer is yes!
Myocardial infarction (or heart attack) and cardiac arrest (also called cardiocirculatory arrest) are major medical emergencies, but they are not the same thing. Myocardial infarction occurs when blood stops reaching the heart, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. The only way to save a person’s life in one of these situations is through first aid and an automated external defibrillator, reports .
The difference between cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction
Since cardiac arrest results in the sudden loss of effective pumping of the heart, the most common are sudden loss of consciousness, absence of a pulse or heartbeat, cessation of breathing, and lividity.
The most common signs and symptoms (or heart attack) include pain or discomfort in the chest, which can also appear in other areas of the body such as the arms, back, stomach, jaw or neck. Other common symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, lividity and sweating.
Both situations require emergency medical intervention
Although they are both disorders affecting the heart, cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction differ in mechanisms and effects. A heart attack is similar to a blockage in a home’s water supply. On the other hand, cardiac arrest is like a malfunction in the electrical installation of the house, according to .
So, both situations can lead to severe consequences and require emergency medical intervention.
