Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

Two Serious but Different Conditions

Many people think cardiac arrest and heart attack are the same, but they are very different. Both are emergencies, but they affect the heart in different ways and need different treatments.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when a blockage in the blood vessels stops blood from reaching part of the heart. The heart muscle gets damaged but usually keeps beating. Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Pain spreading to the arm, neck, or back
• Nausea or sweating
• Trouble breathing

A person having a heart attack is usually awake and breathing.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest means the heart suddenly stops beating. Blood stops flowing to the brain and other organs. The person loses consciousness and stops breathing. It can happen suddenly, often with no warning.

How Are They Connected?

A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if it affects the heart’s electrical system. But not all cardiac arrests are caused by heart attacks. Other causes include:

• Genetic heart conditions
• Electrical disorders in the heart
• Drug overdose or trauma

How to Respond

• For a heart attack: Call for help, keep the person calm, and give aspirin if advised
• For cardiac arrest: Start CPR and use an AED immediately

Knowing the difference helps you take the right steps in an emergency.