Last updated on January 10, 2022

Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review), Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs

Last updated on January 10, 2022

Overview


As you’re probably aware already, the heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It helps supply clean blood, rich in oxygen to every part of the body, and therefore is essential to living a healthy life. However, just like any other organ in the body, the heart is also susceptible to infections, damage, and need for repair. You may already be aware of some conditions of the heart, such as a heart attack or a cardiac arrest. But do you know exactly what they are, and how they differ?

A cardiac arrest and heart attack are the two terms that are frequently used interchangeably. However, it is important to fully understand the differences between these two conditions, i.e. cardiac arrest vs heart attack. They are separate medical events that need different treatments. The only thing common between these two health situations is that they need immediate medical attention to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

When it comes to taking care of your heart, it is important to understand the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack and the treatment options for both. While it can seem overwhelming to be diagnosed with either of these conditions, it is essential that we read up on them and understand exactly what is happening in our body, so that we know our treatment options, and also how to take care of ourselves better in order to recover more quickly. So, read on to know all the details revolving around cardiac arrest vs heart attack.


Overview


As you’re probably aware already, the heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It helps supply clean blood, rich in oxygen to every part of the body, and therefore is essential to living a healthy life. However, just like any other organ in the body, the heart is also susceptible to infections, damage, and need for repair. You may already be aware of some conditions of the heart, such as a heart attack or a cardiac arrest. But do you know exactly what they are, and how they differ?

A cardiac arrest and heart attack are the two terms that are frequently used interchangeably. However, it is important to fully understand the differences between these two conditions, i.e. cardiac arrest vs heart attack. They are separate medical events that need different treatments. The only thing common between these two health situations is that they need immediate medical attention to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

When it comes to taking care of your heart, it is important to understand the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack and the treatment options for both. While it can seem overwhelming to be diagnosed with either of these conditions, it is essential that we read up on them and understand exactly what is happening in our body, so that we know our treatment options, and also how to take care of ourselves better in order to recover more quickly. So, read on to know all the details revolving around cardiac arrest vs heart attack.


Written by

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)

Reviewed by

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs

When it comes to heart attack and cardiac arrest, it is important to keep in mind that they are not synonymous. The cardiac arrest vs heart attack discussion can briefly be summarised in this way: the former is more of an ‘electrical’ issue and the latter is more of a ‘circulation’ issue. Let’s explain what cardiac arrest and heart attack are in detail for further clarification.

Cardiac Arrest: What is the condition?

Cardiac arrest occurs due to sudden electrical malfunctions in the heart that lead to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). As the pumping action of the heart gets disrupted, the heart stops sending blood to the organs. It makes the person lose consciousness and lose their pulse. Lack of treatment within minutes after sudden cardiac arrest can turn fatal.

Statistics and Research in India

Cardiac arrest and the deaths resulting from it is highly understudied in India. This is probably one of the reasons behind the ongoing heart attack vs cardiac arrest misunderstanding among people. It is surprising because at least ten percent of the deaths in India are due to cardiac arrest. It is not only one of the foremost causes of death in the country, but also in the world at large.

Annual cases, primary reason & survival rate

As you now know, cardiac arrest can be fatal. Here are some more important facts about the condition. Deaths due to cardiac arrest have increased by 53 percent in the last five years. In fact, over seven lakh people in India die from cardiac arrest every year. However, timely admission to hospitals has increased the survival rate to 32.5 percent. From this, we can infer that while cardiac arrest can be dangerous, it is very much possible to have a fulfilling life if you receive timely help and support.

Heart Attack: What is the condition?

A heart attack or myocardial infarction takes place when one or more of the arteries in the heart gets blocked. When the blocked artery stops oxygenated blood from flowing to a part of the heart, the section of the heart nourished by the artery starts dying. Without treatment, the damage keeps getting worse with time. This is why it is important to reopen the blocked artery as soon as possible.

Statistics and Research in India

There has been an increase in the number of cases of heart attacks in the country since 2014. Back in 2014, 18,309 people had died from a heart attack, whereas it claimed 28,005 lives in 2019. This huge increase in the total number of deaths is generally attributed to changing lifestyles. Furthermore, the cases are becoming more prevalent among 14 – 18 years old.

Annual cases, primary reason & survival rate

The annual cases of heart attacks in India are about 30 lakhs, out of which 15 lakh people die of the condition. Fifteen percent of these deaths occur before the patient is admitted to the hospital. The good news is that the survival rate of people admitted to hospital on time is around 90 to 97 percent. However, a heart attack does not always allow enough time for the hospital admission.

In a Nutshell
    • Sudden cardiac arrest occurs due to sudden electrical malfunctions in the heart that lead to arrhythmia.
    • A heart attack takes place when any blocked artery stops oxygenated blood from flowing to a part of the heart.
    • At least ten percent of the deaths in India are due to cardiac arrest. Deaths due to cardiac arrest have increased by 53 percent in 2014 – 19.
    • There has been a manifold increase in total annual deaths from a heart attack.

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In terms of the symptoms of heart attack vs cardiac arrest, they might be similar but they aren’t the same. It is important to understand the differences so that you know what treatment options are viable.

What are the signs & symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?

Symptoms of cardiac arrest are drastic and immediate. It includes:

  • No breathing/gasping
  • No pulse/drop in pulse
  • Sudden collapse
  • Loss of consciousness

At times, other symptoms and signs might occur before cardiac arrest, which are:

  • Palpitations
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Chest discomfort
  • Sudden cardiac arrest comes with no prior warning.
What to do as a caregiver?

As a caregiver, one of the first things you need to do is call for emergency medical help before starting CPR. As for giving CPR, check the individual’s breathing first. Start the compressions only if the person is not breathing regularly. 

In the case of cardiopulmonary arrest, keep pushing fast and hard on the centre of the chest at the rate of 110 to 120 compressions per minute. If you have prior training in CPR, take note of the airways of the person and offer rescue breaths in the interval of thirty compressions.  

If you have no such training, keep giving chest compressions that should press the chest for about 2 inches (for an average adult). Let the person’s chest rise completely between the compressions. Do not stop doing it until emergency medical help arrives at the spot.

What are the signs & symptoms of heart attack (myocardial infarction)?

In terms of heart attack vs cardiac arrest, the symptoms of heart attack might vary for women and men. For example, men have a greater possibility of experiencing chest pain, whereas women are more likely to feel extreme fatigue and nausea.

In general, some of the common symptoms of heart attack (myocardial infarction) are:

  Tightness or intense pain in the chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back.

  Nausea or vomiting

  Heartburn or abdominal pain

  Breathlessness

  Cold sweats

  Fatigue

  Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

  Unconsciousness

What to do if you are experiencing symptoms?

You need emergency medical help in case you notice these symptoms and signs:

  Chest pain

  Nausea

Call for immediate medical care if you note the warning signs of a heart attack.

Also, heart diseases are easier to treat upon early detection. A few of the early signs of heart disease include chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw, back, neck, or upper abdomen. Thus, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your heart health. This is even more relevant when there is a family history of heart problems.

In a Nutshell
    • The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and heart attack are similar but not the same.
    • As a caregiver, one of the first things you need to do is call for emergency medical help before starting CPR.
    • Call for immediate medical help if you note the warning signs of a heart attack.

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Next up in the cardiac arrest vs heart attack discussion are the causes, contributing factors, and risk factors.

What are the contributing factors and reasons for cardiac arrest?

Genetic disorders  

CDH2 is a type of gene that leads to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. It is a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to cardiopulmonary arrest (stopping of required heart function and circulation, resulting in death)

History of congenital heart diseases  

Congenital heart disease is the cause of cardiac arrest in adolescents or children. Adults undergoing corrective surgeries for congenital heart diseases still have a greater risk of cardiac arrest.  

Abnormal heart rhythm  

The electrical system of the heart controls the rhythm and rate of the heartbeat. Your heart can beat too slow or fast if there is anything wrong with the electrical system. 

Sudden failure of the heart’s electrical system 

In some cases, problems with the electrical system of the heart, known as primary heart rhythm abnormalities, cause cardiac arrest.

What are the contributing factors and causes of myocardial infarction?

Genetic disorders  

Certain genetic disorders make people predisposed to heart attacks. It also explains sudden cardiac deaths at a young age. 

History of congenital heart diseases  

Congenital heart diseases, i.e.,heart diseases occurring at birth are one of the leading causes of myocardial infarction. There are many types of congenital heart diseases prevalent in people. 

Partial or complete blockage of the coronary artery 

A Spasm or blockage of the coronary artery shuts down the blood flow to certain parts of your heart muscle. Using illicit drugs, like cocaine, might cause such dangerous spasms. 

High buildup of fatty acids 

The Buildup of plaque (fatty acids) is also one of the causes of myocardial infarction. The plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms at the point of the rupture. It blocks the blood flow and causes a heart attack.

What are the common cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction risk factors?

There is no cardiac arrest versus heart attack debate when it comes to the risk factors. You can aim to eliminate or improve many of the following cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction risk factors to reduce the chances of having both cardiac arrest and heart attacks

  Lack of physical activity

  Obesity

  Tobacco consumption

  Stress

  Family history of coronary heart disease

  Clotting disorders

Blood/diagnostic tests to assess risk level for heart attack and cardiac arrest

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart attack or cardiac arrest, your doctor may suggest you take a few diagnostic tests to assess the risk of getting a cardiac arrest versus heart attack or gauge the extent of damage the heart has undergone. Few of those tests are mentioned below:

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): This is a painless, non-invasive test in which the electrical signals of your heart are recorded. The signals are displayed on the monitor. Since an injured heart is incapable of conducting electrical signals properly, the results of the test can show evidence of a previous heart or detect a heart attack that is in progress. The test can also help doctors identify which part of the heart has been damaged and measure the extent of the damage.

Chest X-ray: This test produces X-ray images of the chest which enables doctors to measure the size of your heart and check if there is any fluid in your lungs.

Echocardiogram (echo): In this test, ultrasound waves are used to create images of the moving heart. It helps the doctors check whether the heart’s chambers and valves are pumping blood as efficiently as they should. It also helps to detect if a part of your heart is damaged.

Coronary catheterization (angiogram): In this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter (thin tube) is inserted into an artery in the leg or groin. Then, a dye is injected into the catheter. The dye, in turn, makes the arteries visible. This can help the doctor identify the areas of blockage. 

Cardiac MRI: Cardiac MRI produces images using magnetic and radio waves. This test helps doctors assess the extent of damage from heart attacks. 

Lipid profile test: 

A lipid profile test is also known as a complete cholesterol test, and can be used to estimate your risk of cardiac arrest and heart attack. It measures four types of fats in your body

Total cholesterol: The total cholesterol in your body

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): This is also known as “Good cholesterol” because it helps carry away LDL and keeps the arteries open and the blood flows smoothly.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): This is also known as “Bad Cholesterol” because it causes the build-up of plaque in the arteries, and can hamper your blood flow. 

Triglycerides: It’s a type of fat in the blood. The body converts unneeded calories into triglycerides in the body.

Cardiac biomarkers:

Cardiac biomarkers refer to substances like proteins, enzymes and hormones that get leaked into the blood after your heart has been damaged from a heart attack or has been under severe stress. This type measures the level of these biomarkers in your blood, which, in turn, helps to assess the extent of damage from a heart attack. 

A few of the cardiac biomarkers that are commonly used to diagnose heart attacks include: 

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein test 

A C-Reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When LDL creates plaque in the arteries, it damages them, and inflammation occurs. In response to this, the body sends different proteins to help repair the inflammation. CRP is one of these. Measuring CRP can thus help  identify the risk of cardiac arrest and heart attack in the body

Natriuretic peptides test

Natriuretic Peptides are substances that are produced by the heart. Usually, only a small level of these peptides should be in your bloodstream. When these levels rise, it is an indication that the heart isn’t pumping as much blood as the body needs.

Troponin Test

Troponin is a type of protein that is found in the muscles of the heart. Normally, Troponin is not found in the bloodstream. When the muscles get damaged, troponin is released into the blood. Thus, testing the blood from troponin can give an indication of the strength of the heart muscles.

In a Nutshell
    • Cardiac arrest and heart attacks can occur due to a number of causes.
    • Diabetes, lack of physical activity, obesity, tobacco, stress, and family history of heart problems are the common cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction risk factors.
    • Lipid profile test, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test, natriuretic peptides test, and troponin test are the common tests to assess risk levels for heart attack and cardiac arrest.

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Extending the first aid in the right way can save the life of a person in the case of a heart attack.

Warning signs of a heart attack: What else could it be? Eliminating other diagnoses

A heart attack does not affect only the heart, but rather the entire body. So, here are the signs that you should look for:

Left side chest pain: A discomfort or pain in the left or middle of the chest that feels like a sharp pain or squeezing. 

Breathing problems: Shortness of breath before or after chest pain 

Upper body discomfort:  Discomfort or pain in one or both arms that reach the shoulders. 

Lightheadedness: Feeling faint, weak, or breaking into cold sweats

What to do in acute myocardial infarction: Conscious patient vs unconscious patient

If the person is unconscious and you do not find a pulse, call for immediate medical help and start CPR to ensure that the blood keeps flowing. If the person is conscious, call for medical help anyway. After that, if the person isn’t allergic to aspirin, make him swallow the tablet because that will prevent blood clots.

How to give CPR?

When you suspect that someone may be suffering from a cardiac arrest, performing immediate CPR can be life-saving. Here are some quick pointers on how to do CPR on an unresponsive person. However, if you have no prior training on how you can do CPR, try to look for someone who does, and let them do this instead of doing it yourself.

Step 1: Call for an ambulance

The first thing that you should do before administering CPR is to call for an ambulance so that trained medical personnel will be arriving as soon as possible at your location.

Step 2: Place the person on their back and try to open their airways

The next thing you’ll have to do is gently place the person on their back. You can kneel down next to their chest, and tilt their head backwards. This can be done by lifting their chin. Once you do this, open their mouth, and check the airways for any obstruction, such as food, or vomit. If there are no obstructions, you can proceed with CPR. However, if there are any obstructions, take a look and see if they’re loose. If they’re loose, remove the obstruction and proceed with CPR. However, if the obstruction is not loose, do not try to remove it, as you may end up pushing the obstruction farther into the airways

Step 3: Check for breathing

To check for breathing, place your ear next to the person’s mouth and listen for a few seconds. If you don’t hear breathing or hear laboured gasps, you can proceed with CPR.

Step 4: Perform rescue breaths and chest compressions

With the person’s head tilted backwards, place your mouth over theirs and breathe into their mouth.  If the person is still not responding, you can move ahead to chest compressions.

Kneel next to the person, and place the heel of your hand on their sternum, which is the centre of the chest. This can be found between, and slightly below the person’s nipples. Press down in this area hard and fast, about two inches deep (for an adult). 

Once you perform 30 compressions, give two more rescue breaths, and repeat. You can repeat this process till the person starts responding, or until medical professionals arrive.

If you are not sure about giving rescue breaths, you can also provide hands-only compressions at the rate of 100-120 compressions/minute without any rescue breaths.

What are the next steps after the CPR?

You will have to continue delivering the CPR when you suspect cardiac arrest until the medics come and take over or the person shows signs of breathing. In case you feel exhausted, at least try to complete the cycle before stopping.

In a Nutshell
    • Chest pain, breathing problems, upper body discomfort, and lightheadedness are the signs that indicate a heart attack.
    • Carry on a cycle of thirty chest compressions and two rescue breaths for delivering CPR.
    • You will have to continue delivering the CRP until the medics arrive.

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In the case of cardiac arrest or heart attack, immediate medical attention is of utmost importance. EVERY MINUTE MATTERS. There are varied treatment options available for cardiac arrest and heart attack.

Treatment Options for Heart Attack

What are the Surgery and Medical Procedures for acute myocardial infarction?

Coronary angioplasty and stenting, and coronary artery bypass surgery are the two surgical procedures used in case of a heart attack. In the former, a balloon and a stent are used to open up the blockage causing the heart attack. A bypass surgery, on the other hand, might be performed a few days after the attack to prevent further recurrences.

Medication

There are several medications that can help to avoid complications of myocardial infarction and provide a better outlook. Self-medication should never be an option at any point in time. You must consult your doctor to understand which medications are best suited for you, as they are prescribed based on your age, underlying condition and severity of your heart attack.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

Most healthcare centers and hospitals have programs that start while you are admitted there and go on for weeks or months after your discharge from the place. Such programs usually focus on four aspects of recovery – medications, emotional issues, lifestyle modifications, and a slow return to normal activities.

Treatment Options for Cardiopulmonary Arrest (Cardiac Arrest)

What are the Surgery and Medical Procedures for cardiac arrest? 

The most important and basic treatment for cardiac arrest is to offer CPR until the person regains consciousness. After the medical team arrives at the scene, they might use defibrillation to bring back the normal rhythm of the heart.

Medication

At the emergency room, doctors try to stabilize the heart rhythm to get it back to normal. After considering the patient’s medical history, they might use certain medications to stabilize the heart rhythm. It is important to take these medications on time and follow the instructions and dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

Doctors might place an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator near the collarbone to pace up the heart in case of an abnormal rhythm. On a long-term basis, the patient will have to be on medications and adapt to several lifestyle changes.

What is the outlook? Life after a cardiac arrest and heart attack

Once you know and witness what is cardiac arrest or heart attack, it is natural for your outlook on life to change. Now, in case of a cardiac arrest, there might be some neurological damage or cognitive impairment, especially in out-of-hospital cases, which might lead to limitations in regular activities, social participation, and a decreased quality of life. 

People have a greater chance of returning back to their normal lives after a heart attack. However, in both cardiac arrest and heart attack, there have to be major lifestyle changes made after the event.

How to be prepared for a relapse?

In order to prepare for relapse, it is important to make sure the emergency numbers and the necessary medications are kept near at hand at all times. Treatment and rest based on the guidelines given by the doctor give the patients a chance to alleviate the symptoms and prevent any relapse.

In a Nutshell
    • Several surgical procedures and medications are used as cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction treatments.
    • Cardiac rehabilitation programs and lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure a better quality of life after the event.
    • Keep the emergency numbers and the necessary medications near at hand at all times to prepare for a relapse.

Manage the symptoms of Cardiac Arrest and Heart attack with the right medicines!
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Apart from getting the right myocardial infarction treatments, there are a few ways to prevent heart attacks.

Tips to maintain a healthy heart

Here are the top four things to remember to keep your heart healthy:

Avoid smoking altogether because it tends to create arterial blockages. Also, avoid being near secondhand smoke as much as possible.

Control your cholesterol levels, blood sugar and blood pressure levels by making the necessary changes to your diet and taking daily medications.

Get a grip on the rising stress in everyday activities. Look for healthy ways to minimize and deal with stress in your life.

If you cannot avoid alcohol completely, limit your intake to two drinks (for men) or one drink (for women) per day.

Heart Attack Diet + Exercises

In cardiac arrest and heart attack situations, a healthy diet that contains heart-healthy foods and regular exercise can work wonders.  

Here are the five things that make up a heart healthy diet:

Fruits and veggies (fresh fruits and veggies or green smoothies) 

Whole grains (brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal) 

Healthy fats (olive oils, avocados, nuts) 

Low-fat proteins (eggs, fish, paneer, soya chunks, yoghourt legumes, skinless poultry) 

Low sodium, low sugar food

Exercising is important in order to improve your heart health after a cardiac arrest and heart attack. However, you cannot overexert yourself after a heart attack. So, it is better to stick to aerobic activities instead of weightlifting. You can try the following exercises for heart patients for at least thirty minutes daily:

  Walking

  Jogging

  Swimming

  Yoga

  Biking

You can increase the duration of these exercises after your body adjusts to the thirty-minutes routine.

Regular checkups with the cardiologist

The myocardial infarction risk factors like high blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol show no early symptoms. You need regular checkups with your doctor to manage them and prevent the chances of a relapse. A cardiologist will suggest the necessary changes to your diet, medication, and lifestyle.

Cardiac arrest vs heart attack: Hear from heart attack and cardiac arrest survivors

For most patients, a heart attack is like a wake-up call that they need to make certain changes. It was the same with M. Shyamalan who had a heart attack at the age of 40. One day he was bench pressing his own weight and the next day he was lying in a hospital. The doctor forbade him from lifting even a ten-pound dumbbell as a part of his myocardial infarction treatments. “I adapted to my new reality,” Shyamalan said. It has been three years since that day. Though Shyamalan doesn’t lift heavy weights, he has been running marathons and living a normal life.

    What helped Shyamalan cope with his heart attack:

    • Acceptance of his new physical restrictions was a big part of how he coped with being a heart attack survivor. Going from bench pressing his own weight to not being able to lift a dumbbell can seem depressing, but he found other ways to get his dose of physical activity and keep in shape, while not risking his heart condition further.
    • Another thing that he did was to make regular appointments with his cardiologist in order to monitor his heart function. This helps him be sure that his heart is functioning properly, and that he can identify any other issues he might face before it’s too late.

T. Sehgal admits lifestyle changes are not that easy to adapt to at the start. A heart attack survivor at 35, she is also a mother of two. “It’s hard to prepare food or eat outside while constantly thinking about the fat content in the food,” she said. She also mentions the mental toil of tiding over such a setback. Her only advice is to “take one step at a time.”
    • A big part of recovering after a heart attack is coming over the mental turmoil that it leaves you in. Sehgal says that what helped her the most was her focus on taking one step at a time, and slowly ensuring that she returns to a normal life, instead of trying to rush back into her routine.
    • Sehgal also mentions the importance of having a good support system around her while recovery. She had the support of her family and friends throughout, and would always reach out to them in case she felt that she needed any kind of help.

Another survivor of a heart attack was Lesly Minney, who faced the condition at the age of 48. This happened while she was trekking. When she faced shortness of breath, she dismissed it as because of high altitude and then dismissed her back pain as caused due to the heavy backpack she was carrying. It took her three more days and two more attacks to finally realise what was happening, and then she had to be rushed to the hospital to be saved.
    • Lesly says that when her mother had suffered a heart attack, she chalked it down to lifestyle choices, but after her attack, realised that the condition could be genetic. This underlines the importance of getting your family history to understand if you’re predisposed to any medical conditions.
    • Lesly also mentions the importance of regular exercise, a healthy diet, sleep and stress reduction in order to keep yourself healthy and reduce the chances of complications. Since recovery, she’s taking it slow and going one day at a time and not rushing back into work. While some days are still difficult, Lesly mentions the importance of practising gratefulness and being thankful for surviving the attack.

Hopefully, this comprehensive has cleared up cardiac arrest vs heart attack confusion for you. It is worth noting that even after experiencing a heart attack, people go on to live long, fulfilling lives. It is important to stay optimistic and develop a positive attitude towards your well-being. Furthermore, strict adherence to your treatment plan, following the diet chart for heart patients, and adopting lifestyle modifications can contribute a great deal to a better outlook and a healthier life.

In a Nutshell
    • Make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy.
    • Stick to aerobic activities instead of weightlifting, but exercise daily.
    • You need regular checkups with your doctor to manage your heart health.

Supplement your treatment of Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack with the right health care products.
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What are the side effects of a heart attack?

There might be some neurological damage or cognitive impairment after a heart attack, which might lead to limitations in regular activities and a decreased quality of life.

What should you do first when someone is having a cardiac arrest?

One of the first things you need to do is call for emergency medical help before starting CPR.

Is a heart attack hereditary?

Inherited cardiac risk factors might increase the chances of a heart attack in some individuals.

What is the most common age for a heart attack or cardiac arrest?

In general, 45 or older for men and 55 or older for women is the most common age for a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Are there ways to prevent heart diseases?

The necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, along with regular health monitoring, can keep your heart healthy and reduce the chances of heart diseases.

What are the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest?

Outside of a hospital, the survival rate of a cardiac arrest is 12 percent. It greatly depends on how quick medical aid has been given to the patient.

What if the first aid treatment is given for a heart attack?

Extending the first aid through making the patient rest and relax, calling for an ambulance giving any prescribed emergency pills (if the patient carries for sublingual route). CPR and defibrillation in the right way can save the life of a person in the case of a cardiac arrest.

Can I permanently fix a heart attack?

You cannot permanently reverse heart damage caused by a heart attack. However, you can manage your heart health and address some of the damage through cardiac rehabilitation.

What are the chances of life after a heart attack?

Most people go on to live a full and healthy life after a heart attack, provided they follow the doctor’s advice.

Can you test for a heart attack at home?

Chest pain, breathing problems, upper body discomfort, nausea, cold sweats and lightheadedness are the signs of a heart attack. There are no other ways to test for it at home, so you must consult a doctor at the earliest.

What foods to take to avoid a heart attack?

Red meat, processed food, unhealthy fats, high salt content, pickles and added sugars are to be avoided to keep your heart healthy. Diet plan greatly varies based on your individual health needs and dietary choices. You should consult a registered nutritionist to plan your diet.

Doctor's Section

Dr. Nikita Toshi
Dr. Nikita works with PharmEasy as a medical content writer. She completed her B.D.S. from Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur in 2013 with an excellent academic record. Holding a clinical experience of 7 years in dental practice, she has worked at Rameti Oral and Maxillofacial Centre, Allahabad as Associate Dental Surgeon and Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences as Junior Resident. Her clinical skills include bleaching, restorations, R.C.T, Re R.C.T., single visit R.C.T. and F.P.Ds, dental extractions, minor OT procedures, oral prophylaxis, curettage, root planing, and perio-splint. Dr. Nikita frequently speaks on dental health talks organized at schools and other institutes to help in raising awareness on dental health in society. She has also written a research paper published in a reputed journal.

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Dr. Ritu Budania
Dr. Ritu Budania heads PharmEasy’s medical content and catalogue management teams. She did her MBBS from Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai; followed by post-graduation in MD Pharmacology from Government Medical College, Nagpur. She was awarded a bronze medal for topping the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in her MD. She has six publications in international and national medical journals. She is also an esteemed industry speaker in the field of pharmacology and has been invited as chief guest/speaker in several medical / pharmacy colleges. She has also helped author the World Health Organisation’s document on ‘Desk View and Situation analysis of Clinical Trials in India’ and helped in signal detection activities for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. She holds expertise in medical writing, ethics, and GCP in biomedical research, advanced pharmacovigilance, and biostatistics.

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