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SCA and Heart Attack: Understanding the Difference

Posted May 15th, 2008 by SCAFoundation
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It’s a common misconception that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and heart attack are the same thing. In reality, they are quite different. Understanding the difference could save your life—or the life of someone you love.

 

HEART ATTACK: A "PLUMBING PROBLEM”

The Person is Awake and the Heart is Beating

Heart attack (the medical term is myocardial infarction or MI) occurs when part of the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked, causing the heart muscle to become injured or die. The person is awake (conscious) and may complain of one or more of the signs and symptoms of heart attack.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.