The difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack is often misunderstood, with many people assuming they are the same condition. In reality, they are very different. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle becomes blocked, whereas sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart abruptly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial for recognizing symptoms and taking the right medical action.
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Understanding the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack
Below are the key differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack that you need to know:
1. Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs abruptly and often without warning. This condition arises when the heart experiences an electrical failure, causing the heartbeat to become irregular (arrhythmia). As a result, the heart can no longer pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs. This leads to loss of consciousness and pulse. Without immediate help, the person may die within minutes.
Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest appear instantly and are severe, including:
- Sudden fainting
- No detectable pulse
- Not breathing
- Loss of consciousness
In some cases, early symptoms may appear before sudden cardiac arrest occurs, such as:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
2. Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents blood from flowing to a specific part of the heart. If the blockage is not treated quickly, the portion of the heart supplied by that artery begins to die. The longer the delay in treatment, the greater the damage.
Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly and intensely, or start gradually with mild signs. Some people may experience little to no symptoms yet still have a heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart typically does not stop beating. Symptoms in women can also differ from those in men.
Common symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching
- Pain or discomfort radiating to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper abdomen
- Cold sweats
- Fatigue
- Chest burning or indigestion
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Women may experience different symptoms, such as sharp or brief pain in the neck, arm, or back. Sometimes, the first sign of a heart attack can even be sudden cardiac arrest.
Some heart attacks occur suddenly, but many people experience warning signs hours, days, or even weeks beforehand. Persistent chest pain or pressure (angina) that doesn’t go away after rest can be an early sign, caused by temporarily reduced blood flow to the heart.
Get Your Heart Checked at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Heart health is a priority that should never be overlooked, especially if you have risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, fatigue, or frequent chest discomfort. Regular heart check-ups are essential to detect problems early so that treatment can be provided promptly and appropriately.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers comprehensive cardiac services handled by experienced cardiology specialists and supported by advanced diagnostic technology, including ECG, echocardiography, treadmill tests, and cardiac CT scans. Schedule your check-up today and receive a thorough, accurate, and comfortable heart evaluation to keep your heart functioning optimally.
1. Basic Heart Screening Package
Price: Rp 2,850,000
Includes:
- Consultation
- PHC Doctor Physical Examination
- Cardiologist Consultation
Non-Laboratory Tests
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
- Treadmill Test
Laboratory Tests
- Complete Hematology
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- SGOT
- SGPT
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes
- Urinalysis
2. Standard Heart Screening Package
Price: Rp 4,188,000
Includes:
- Consultation
- PHC Doctor Physical Examination
- Cardiologist Consultation
Non-Laboratory Tests
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
- Treadmill Test
- Echocardiography
Laboratory Tests
- Complete Hematology
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- HbA1C
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- SGOT
- SGPT
- Gamma GT
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes
- Urinalysis
3. Comprehensive Heart Screening Package
Price: Rp 6,218,000
Includes:
- Consultation
- PHC Doctor Physical Examination
- Cardiologist Consultation
Non-Laboratory Tests
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
- Treadmill Test
- Echocardiography
- CT Calcium Score (MSCT Coronary without contrast)
Laboratory Tests
- Complete Hematology
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- HbA1C
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- SGOT
- SGPT
- Gamma GT
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Urinalysis
4. Ultimate Heart Screening Package
Price: Rp 7,278,000
Includes:
- Consultation
- PHC Doctor Physical Examination
- Cardiologist Consultation
Non-Laboratory Tests
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
- Treadmill Test
- Echocardiography
- Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
- CT Calcium Score (MSCT Coronary without contrast)
Laboratory Tests
- Complete Hematology
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- HbA1C
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- SGOT
- SGPT
- Gamma GT
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes
- Lipoprotein (a)
- hs-CRP
- Urinalysis
5. Newborn Heart Screening Package
Price: Rp 1,000,000
This newborn heart screening package at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri aims to detect heart defects or congenital heart disease.
Terms & Conditions:
- Valid only for newborns delivered at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri (up to 3 days after birth)
- Does not include pediatric cardiologist consultation fee
- Not applicable for insurance/company-covered patients
- Cannot be combined with bank/card promotions or other discounts
To make your visit easier, use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter App, available on Google Play and the App Store, to check queue numbers and access complete information.
