Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack and Stroke
- What happens during a cardiac arrest?
- What is a heart attack?
- What is a stroke?
- How are they different?
- How can I tell?
The differences between a cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke are frequently misunderstood by the general public. Unfortunately, this has led to confusion about what (if any) differences there are between a cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke. Each of these medical conditions is extremely serious and life threatening, though. They affect parts of the body in different ways.
To try and provide some clarity, Medic offers the following useful information:
Definition
Cardiac Arrest: When the heart no longer functions due to an abrupt loss of a heartbeat or rhythm preventing the flow of blood to the rest of your body.
Heart Attack: When blood flow to the heart is reduced or stopped because of blockage in the arteries preventing oxygen to the heart muscle.
Stroke: When blood flow to the brain is reduced or stopped preventing oxygen to the brain.
Symptoms
Cardiac Arrest: Usually occurs suddenly and without warning. The symptoms are lacking of responsiveness, pulse and breathing.
Heart Attack: Chest pains, discomfort in other areas of the body, lightheadedness and cold sweats.
- Women are also likely to experience other symptoms when having a heart attack such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, indigestion and back or jaw pain.
Stroke: Numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs. Trouble speaking or communicating. Loss of balance/coordination. Dizziness. Severe headache.
Prevention
The risk factors and prevention methods for these three medical conditions all tie back to heart disease. Some risk factors such as gender, age, family history, race and family history are uncontrollable and therefore have no known prevention methods.
Still, the following preventative measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of one of these life threatening conditions:
- Get regular health screenings
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise
- Limit stress
Helpful Links
To get more in depth information on cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke, please click on these helpful links below:
CPR Instructional Video -
Learn the Correct Steps
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What is an AED?
When should it be used?
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