Difference between heart failure, a heart attack and cardiac arrest

The heart is the only muscle in the human body that can contract and relax autonomously, without conscious control. Quite an extraordinary organ! It beats around 100,000 times a day, pumping blood and oxygen to all the cells and tissues in the body. This continuous, lifelong work makes the heart an indispensable powerhouse. Its ability to adapt to the body's needs, whether at rest or during exercise, makes it a unique and vital organ. Life without a functioning heart is (for now) impossible.
Although the heart is a strong organ, problems can occur, such as heart failure, a heart attack or cardiac arrest. In this blog, we explain exactly what these terms mean and how they differ from one another.

What is heart failure?


When the heart's pumping function is reduced, for example due to high blood pressure or heart disease, this is called heart failure. Think of the heart as a powerful pump that pushes blood throughout your body. Sometimes this pump becomes weaker and has difficulty circulating blood effectively; this is known as heart failure. A reduced pumping function of the heart can cause various symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling in the legs.
Unfortunately, heart failure cannot be cured. However, there are various treatments available through a doctor, such as medication or lifestyle advice, that can help reduce the symptoms of heart failure. You can find more information about heart failure on the Heart Foundation's website.
Be sure to also read our blog in which we explain the difference between heart failure and cardiac arrest in more detail.


What is a heart attack?


A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction. This occurs when part of the heart does not receive enough blood. This can happen when one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, becomes blocked. Think of it as a blocked tube in a straw, preventing the juice from flowing through.
This is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention. People having a heart attack may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. It is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.


What is cardiac arrest?


Cardiac arrest is like the engine of a car suddenly stopping. The heart stops pumping, meaning that blood can no longer circulate to the rest of the body. This can happen, for example, when there is a serious problem with the heart rhythm.
In this situation, rapid action is vital. First of all, it is important to call the emergency services for professional help. Bystanders can start CPR, which means compressing the victim's chest to artificially circulate blood. Using an AED significantly increases the chances of survival compared with CPR without an AED.
Would you like to know more about how to recognize cardiac arrest? We have written a blog about this in which we explain it in detail.


What can you do?

Heart failure, a heart attack and cardiac arrest are all serious conditions involving the heart, but they differ in their causes and symptoms. It is important to know how to recognize when something is wrong and what you can do to help save a life.
If you suspect that someone is experiencing a heart condition, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical help. Call 999, ask for help and use an AED if one is available nearby. It can make the difference between life and death.
Medisol has a team of experts ready to provide you with independent advice on life-saving AEDs and related products. We are committed to making the world a safer place for everyone. Are you looking for an AED for your neighborhood, company or municipality Contact us. We are happy to help.