We’ve heard alot about heart attacks, but not as much about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidents. So what’s the difference? It’s a big one, and the SCA Foundation uses some memorable imagery to help us keep them straight:HEART ATTACK: A ‘PLUMBING PROBLEM’ — The Person is Awake and the Heart is BeatingHeart 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.How You Can Save a Life: Heart AttackWhat to do:
What not to do:
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST: ‘AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM’ —The Person is Not Awake and the Heart is Not BeatingSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is different from heart attack. While heart attack is described as a “plumbing problem,” SCA is more of an “electrical problem” that prevents the heart from functioning effectively. Heart attack can lead to SCA, but there are many other causes, such as congenital abnormalities, severe heart failure, electrocution and drug overdose.”How You Can Save a Life: Sudden Cardiac ArrestWhat to do:
What not to do:
Our hearts work very hard for us — show them a little love by taking excellent care of yours and getting some simple, lifesaving CPR training to help someone else.