What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
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3 Answers
A heart attack is a blocked artery causing muscle damage — the person is usually conscious. Cardiac arrest is an electrical failure where the heart stops pumping; the person collapses, is unresponsive, and needs CPR and defibrillation within minutes.
In cardiac arrest, start chest compressions immediately — centre of the chest, about 100-120 per minute, 5-6 cm deep — and send someone for an AED.
A heart attack can progress to cardiac arrest, which is why chest pain should never be waited out at home.
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