Download Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Source: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association
HEART ATTACK
• A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is caused by a circulation or plumbing
problem of the heart, when one (or more) of the arteries delivering blood to the heart is
severely reduced or blocked. Oxygen in the blood cannot reach the heart muscle, and
the heart muscle becomes damaged.
• This damage to the heart muscle can lead to a malfunction of the heart’s electrical
system, causing dangerously fast or slow heart rhythms that can cause SCA.
• Many SCAs occur in patients with coronary heart disease. If the patient suffers a heart
attack, there is a higher risk for SCA.
• Symptoms of an impending heart attack include chest pain, radiating pain (left arm,
between shoulder blades, jaw), difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea and vomiting,
and profuse sweating.
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
• Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition that occurs when the heart abruptly ceases
to function due to an electrical problem. The signals that control the heart’s pumping
ability suddenly become rapid and irregular, and blood is no longer pumped to the rest
of the body.
• There are also mechanical occurrences (with a normal electrical signal) that may
precipitate SCA. Sometimes SCA is caused by severe hemorrhage and other issues.
• There are often no warning signs or symptoms.