Knowing the difference.. SCA and Heart Attack

Do you honestly know the difference? Many people don't. They assume that SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is the same as a Heart Attack. The truth could save your life or save the life of someone you love according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

The medical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction. A heart attack is also sometimes called a coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion. A heart attack is referred to as a "plumbing problem". The person having the heart attack is usually awake and at times can talk.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack are: (but not limited to)
Chest Discomfort
Sweating
Dizziness
Nausea
Discomfort in arms, back, neck and jaw

SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest)is often confused because of the name. Bottom line is when SCA strikes, most likely the person is NOT awake and the heart is no longer beating, thus being called SUDDEN. SCA is referred to as a "electrical problem". Just as you turn out the lights, the heart can simply just stop. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF), an abnormality in the heart's electrical system. When SCA strikes blood stops flowing to the brain the heart and the rest of the body, and the person collapses. Most of the time there are no warning signs.

Zachary Schrah had no known symptoms, no known risks and no family history of SCA or heart problems, he just collapsed and died on a normal day in Plano, TX, during a normal football practice. Who would have thought a healthy young man would lose his life from SCA at such a young age? It happens.

It can happen to anyone and the bottom line is: get screened or take your child to be screened. You can learn more about SCA Heart Screening at the Living for Zachary website. It is about prevention and that is what Living for Zachary is about-raising awareness of Sudden cardiac Arrest in youth, awareness of the use of AED's and celebrating the life and story of Zachary Schrah to help others.

If you are interested in helping the Living for Zachary mission, please visit the Living for Zachary website for information on Living for Zachary Upcoming events, Heart Screening and ways to donate to our cause.