More and more young athletes are suffering medical emergencies while playing sports. With the recent incident involving NBA superstar Lebron James son, Bronny, going into cardiac arrest during basketball practice, many are speculating if it was a heart attack. A heart attack and cardiac arrest both involve the heart, but they are conditions with different underlying causes and characteristics. Lets explore both conditions so you can get an understanding of how these two medical episodes differ.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The most common cause of a heart attack is atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the artery walls, narrowing the blood vessels. Sometimes, a piece of this plaque can rupture and form a blood clot, blocking the artery completely or partially. When blood flow is blocked to a portion of the heart muscle due to the clot, that area of the heart becomes deprived of oxygen and can start to die. The extent of damage depends on the size of the blocked artery and how quickly medical treatment is administered. Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Cardiac Arrest:
Cardiac arrest is a sudden and abrupt loss of the heart’s ability to function, leading to the stopping of blood flow to the body’s organs. While a heart attack is often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, cardiac arrest can result from various factors. Some of those factors include:
- Ventricular fibrillation – An irregular heartbeat that affects the heart’s ventricles
- Ventricular tachycardia – A rapid heart rhythm
- Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases that weaken and enlarge the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Eventually, this can lead to irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or other electrolytes can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and potentially trigger cardiac arrest.
- Drug abuse: Certain drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines, can cause abnormal heart rhythms and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
- Congenital heart defects: Some individuals are born with structural heart abnormalities that can make them more susceptible to cardiac arrest later in life.
- Traumatic injuries: Severe trauma to the chest or heart can lead to cardiac arrest.
- Respiratory arrest: Prolonged lack of oxygen due to respiratory failure can eventually cause the heart to stop beating.
During cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to quiver or beat abnormally fast making it unable to pump blood effectively. A person experiencing cardiac arrest will lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no detectable pulse. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are crucial to restart the heart’s normal rhythm.
In summary, a heart attack is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to decreased blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, while cardiac arrest results from the sudden malfunction of the heart’s electrical system, causing the heart to stop pumping effectively. Acting fast and getting help is essential for both conditions to improve the chances of survival and minimize potential long-term damage.