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The terms “heart attack” and “cardiac arrest” are often used interchangeably. However, maintaining good heart health includes knowing the difference between the two and recognizing the warning signs and symptoms in your body. Here’s how heart doctors distinguish between these two significant medical occurrences.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, which doctors call a myocardial infarction, results from a blocked artery preventing the flow of blood to the heart. Without the oxygen from the blood, the heart begins to die.

heart-health-Rochelle-Park-NJHeart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and pain in the arms or stomach may last for hours or days before the attack occurs. If you’re a woman, your symptoms may include back or jaw pain, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors remove blockages by dissolving blood clots or performing coronary bypass surgery to improve blood flow.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest is when you have an irregular heartbeat, called heart arrhythmia, and the heart stops beating unexpectedly. Victims often die within minutes of the event unless they receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to aid circulation immediately. The next step involves an electrical shock from a defibrillator, which helps the heart resume its normal beating pattern.

People who have suffered heart attacks, have underlying heart disease or a genetic abnormality, or use drugs including cocaine are prone to cardiac arrest. An implantable defibrillator, known as a pacemaker, can help you maintain good heart health by resuscitating you automatically if cardiac arrest occurs. 

 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack and cardiac arrest helps you maintain good heart health. At DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA in Rochelle Park, NJ, Dr. Leonard DiVagno and his team use the most advanced techniques and equipment available in treating heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart disease, and they are backed by more than 20 years of experience. Get the information and treatment you need today. Visit their website for more information on their services and call (201) 845-3535 for an appointment.

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