Heart attack, cardiac arrest and heart failure: Understanding 3 conditions often confused

Heart attack, cardiac arrest and heart failure are distinct conditions with different causes and warning signs. Read on to understand key differences and why timely action matters for heart health.

New Delhi: Heart attack, cardiac arrest and heart failure are often used interchangeably, but they are three distinct medical conditions. Understanding the difference can help people recognise warning signs early and seek timely treatment – an important step towards better heart health.

Heart attack: A blocked blood supply

A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This is usually caused by a blood clot forming over a ruptured plaque in a coronary artery. Without prompt treatment, the affected heart muscle begins to suffer damage.

Common symptoms include pressure, tightness or pain in the centre or left side of the chest, pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back,........

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