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It’s a common misconception to think that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are the same thing. However, they are in fact two distinct medical conditions. That they affect the heart is beyond doubt but they do have different causes, symptoms and ways that can be treated. One of the first steps is to attend First Aid at Work Cheltenham based training like the ones tidaltrainingdirect.co.uk/training-courses/first-aid-at-work/first-aid-at-work-cheltenham can provide.
When a heart attack happens it is the result of a blockage in one, or maybe more, of the coronary arteries. These arteries give blood and oxygen to the muscles of the heart. In most cases they result from a blockage created by a blood clot or plaque. If blood and oxygen do not get to the heart it will cause damage. Symptoms can be easily recognised. Sharp pain in the chest, shortness of breath, feeling tired and a certain sense of sickness. The condition is treatable through medication but the sufferer will need to look at their lifestyle and make changes. In many cases surgery will be needed to allow the proper flow of blood to the heart again.
A cardiac rest is markedly different. This is when the heart ceases to beat at all. The main causes of this usually centre around an irregular heartbeat or if the electrochemical cells that control the heart are faulty. It is also as a result of outside stimulus such as trauma or being over exposed to drugs. This results in a sudden fainting of the person and they become unresponsive. It requires immediate medical attention through CPR.
