Statistics indicate that the survival rate of those who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is less than 15%. About 50% of the cardiovascular deaths are due to an SCA and another 75% of the latter can be linked to a previous heart attack. However, SCA and heart attack are not the same and it is important to understand the difference between the two. While a heart attack is a ‘circulation’ problem, SCA is referred to as an ‘electrical’ problem. A heart attack occurs due to blockage in one or more arteries of the heart.
A heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to an SCA. Speaking about this, a doctor from New Delhi, said, “The term sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack are often used synonymously but they are not the same. SCA is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart causing arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The heart malfunctions and stops…
