Health experts want people to know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest - as three in 10 adults think the conditions are the same.
The concerning finding comes from a survey of 2,000 adults by Resuscitation Council UK. While both medical emergencies impact the heart, their causes, symptoms, and treatments differ.
The study also found that many wrongly believe there is a 50/50 chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, but nine in 10 of cases that occur outside hospitals result in death - as it's the more serious of the two. Over three quarters of those surveyed don't realise that it's more urgent than a heart attack.
While a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the organ's muscles is blocked, cardiac arrest is when a person's heart stops pumping blood around the body, which stops the breathing. When the latter happens, the sufferer is clinically dead, but both require prompt medical intervention.
While a heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, the two conditions are not synonymous. Here's what you should know, as reported by Wales Online.
What is the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack?
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are two distinct medical conditions related to the heart, although they are often confused with each other.
Knowing the difference between the two is important as it can help boost chances of survival.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to the loss of blood flow to the body and brain.
It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. During cardiac arrest, the electrical system of the heart malfunctions, causing the heart to stop pumping blood effectively.
This can result in a person becoming unresponsive, not breathing normally, and having no pulse.
Heart attack
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is blocked.
It typically occurs due to a sudden blockage in one or more coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This blockage is often caused by a blood clot that forms within a narrowed or damaged artery.
The lack of blood flow can cause part of the heart muscle to be deprived of oxygen, leading to tissue damage or death.
Experts at Resuscitation Council UK say that those who've survived a cardiac arrest are being "failed", as their survey highlights a lack of knowledge on the issue.
Worryingly, while 23 per cent said they sometimes experience chest pains, more than half of those (59 per cent) have not spoken to a medical professional. Meanwhile, 37 per cent of adults wouldn’t feel very confident helping someone in a state of cardiac arrest, while 24 per cent would not feel at all confident.
James Cant, CEO at Resuscitation Council UK, said: “Currently, we are failing people who survive a cardiac arrest. Everyone affected by cardiac arrest has a right to recovery and rehabilitation, which is a key element of improving quality of life post event.”
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