MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the primary distinction between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

1. A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow; cardiac arrest is blood flow stoppage.

2. Cardiac arrest occurs due to heart rhythm issues; a heart attack is due to external trauma.

3. A heart attack causes pain; cardiac arrest does not.

4. Cardiac arrest affects the lungs; a heart attack affects the heart.

The correct answer is: A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow; cardiac arrest is blood flow stoppage.

The primary distinction between a heart attack and cardiac arrest lies in the underlying physiological processes involved, and choice A accurately captures this difference. A heart attack, clinically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage impairs blood flow, leading to damage to the heart tissue due to a lack of oxygen. On the other hand, cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, resulting in the cessation of blood flow to the rest of the body. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), but fundamentally it involves a complete stoppage of the heart’s ability to pump blood. Understanding this distinction is crucial for appropriate emergency response. While a heart attack may induce cardiac arrest as a complication if the heart muscle becomes severely damaged, the two conditions are fundamentally different in terms of their causes and immediate medical responses required.