Difference Between A Heart Attack And A Sudden Cardiac Arrest In Nashville

Death among people out of a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest are rampant these days and people often use both these terms interchangeably but you should remember that there is a difference between the two. A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating unexpectedly whereas during a heart attack the flow of blood to the heart gets blocked.

What Is The Link Between A Heart Attack And A Cardiac Arrest?

During a heart attack, a blocked artery prevents blood from reaching a part of the heart and if that artery remains blocked for a long time, the section of the heart for that respective artery begins to die and the longer the delay in treatment, the worse the damage it can cause. The heart attack symptoms are different for men and women. A sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone and it mainly occurs due to electrical malfunction in the heart causing heartbeat irregularities. During such a condition the heart loses its ability to pump blood to the lungs, brain and other organs and if the situation persists, the person can collapse losing his or her pulse. If there is a delay in treatment, the victim may succumb to death. We can establish a link between the both as a sudden cardiac arrest occurs just after a heart attack. Not all heart attacks lead to a sudden cardiac arrest but undoubtedly they increase the chances of a sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden other causes for a sudden cardiac arrest are thickening of heart muscles, heart failure and certain arrhythmias particularly the ventricular fibrillation.

How Can You Save Lives If You Come Across A Victim Struck With Either Of The Two?

In case of a cardiac arrest, you can start administering some life-saving techniques to the victim until the arrival of a doctor or emergency medical services. You should train in the CPR techniques which consists of a cycle of chest compressions and rescue breathings as the CPR training Nashville will equip you with proper knowledge in the essential life-saving techniques so that you are able to administer them efficiently to cardiac arrest struck victims in pivotal situations. While administering the CPR techniques, you should find an automated external defibrillator so that while you are providing with CPR to the victim, you can start with with the process of defibrillation as well.

If you come across a heart attack struck victim, you should immediately dial the emergency response number which is 9-1-1. In such crucial circumstances, it is always best that you call the emergency medical services so that you can get to the emergency room immediately. EMS staff are highly experienced and well-trained in reviving someone whose heart has stopped. But do not delay in calling the medical services as every minute matters in such cases. So you need to be aware of all the important life-saving techniques so that they can come handy for you and you are able to lend your helping hand to a victim without any kind of hesitation.