Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: How to Recognize and Respond
Mar 05, 2025
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially heart attacks and cardiac arrest, are the leading cause of global mortality, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. While these conditions may seem similar, they have distinct differences in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Being aware of the difference between a cardiac arrest vs. heart attack could be life-saving. People often use these terms as they mean the same thing. However, even though they are related – a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, there are distinct differences between these conditions.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular or erratic heartbeat, known as an arrhythmia. On the other hand, Aa heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque. Read on to know how cardiac arrest differs from heart attack from symptoms and causes to emergency response and more!
A heart attack happens when a blockage, often a blood clot or plaque buildup, restricts blood flow to the heart, causing pain and potential damage to the heart muscle. You may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. However, your heart will continue to beat, just not effectively.
On the other hand, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, typically causing a person to lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no pulse. This is a critical condition that requires immediate CPR and defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.
The difference lies in the fact that during a heart attack, your heart is still working, but its function is impaired, while in cardiac arrest, the heart has completely stopped. Here’s an overview of the difference between cardiac arrest vs heart attack.
| Feature | Cardiac Arrest | Heart Attack |
| Cause | Electrical malfunction in the heart (arrhythmia) | Blockage in a coronary artery restricting blood flow to the heart |
| Symptoms | Sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing | Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea |
| Heart Function | The heart stops beating or beats irregularly | The heart continues to beat, but the blood flow is reduced |
| Immediate Action | CPR and AED (defibrillation) | Call for emergency help, aspirin, and manage pain until help arrives |
| Outcome | Can lead to death within minutes without intervention | Can cause heart damage, but the heart may still beat |
| Treatment | Immediate defibrillation to restore normal rhythm | Medical interventions to clear the blockage, such as angioplasty or medication |
| Duration of Symptoms | Occurs suddenly and without warning | Symptoms typically last longer, often for several minutes or hours |
| Prevention | Can be prevented by controlling arrhythmias and using an AED quickly | Prevention focuses on managing risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lifestyle changes |
| Risk Factors | Previous heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, or congenital heart conditions | Atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise |
| Survival Rate | Survival chances decrease rapidly without immediate CPR or defibrillation | Survival chances are higher with early medical intervention like clot-busting drugs or stenting |
Heart attacks and cardiac arrests both involve severe heart problems, but they have distinct causes and risk factors. The causes refer to the immediate conditions or events that trigger the heart attack or cardiac arrest. Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of these events occurring. Let us explore them in detail below.
The heart has coronary arteries, which supply your heart muscle with blood and nutrients. When these arteries get blocked due to the accumulation of plaque or blood clots, it will stop the flow of blood to your heart. When your heart is starved of blood, you could have a heart attack.
The primary causes of heart attack include the following:
The main cause of heart attacks is atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing and hardening the arteries over time. This limits blood flow to the heart. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, completely blocking the artery and leading to a heart attack.
A coronary artery spasm occurs when a coronary artery suddenly narrows or tightens, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can be triggered by drugs (like cocaine), extreme stress, or even certain medications.
A blood clot in a coronary artery can obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. Clots often form after a plaque rupture, blocking the artery.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, which disrupts its ability to pump blood. An abnormal heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation often causes it. Let us explore the primary causes of cardiac arrest below.
The most common cause of cardiac arrest is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and subsequent cardiac arrest.
A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest. When a heart attack blocks blood flow to the heart, it can cause a disturbance in the heart’s electrical system, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) that may cause the heart to stop.
Abnormal heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can lead to cardiac arrest. These arrhythmias prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, causing it to stop beating.
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can weaken the heart, leading to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Some individuals are born with structural heart abnormalities that can increase the risk of cardiac arrest. These defects may lead to arrhythmias or insufficient heart function.
Electric shocks, such as those from lightning strikes or electrical accidents, can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm and cause it to stop, leading to cardiac arrest.
Drug overdoses, particularly with substances such as opioids, stimulants (e.g., cocaine), and certain antiarrhythmic medications, can lead to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Trauma to the chest, such as from a car accident or blunt force injury, can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and cause cardiac arrest. Additionally, trauma-induced bleeding or shock can impair heart function.
Extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, which may slow the heart rate and cause it to stop, resulting in cardiac arrest.
In severe cases, lack of oxygen due to respiratory failure can cause the heart to stop beating. Conditions like drowning, choking, or severe asthma attacks can lead to this scenario.
Lifestyle choices and genetic predisposition influence both conditions and managing these risk factors can significantly reduce the chances of these heart events. Apart from the above causes, the below table mentions lists the common factors that increase the risk of these conditions:
| Risk Factor | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) | Damages arteries, promoting plaque buildup and increasing heart attack risk. | It can lead to arrhythmias, increasing the likelihood of cardiac arrest. |
| Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) | Narrows arteries, reducing blood flow and causing heart attacks. | Increases the risk of arrhythmias, which can trigger cardiac arrest. |
| High Cholesterol Levels | High LDL cholesterol causes plaque buildup, leading to blocked arteries. | Blocked arteries can reduce oxygen supply, increasing the risk of fatal arrhythmias. |
| Obesity | Raises the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, leading to heart attacks. | Increases strain on the heart, making it more prone to electrical disturbances. |
| Smoking | Damages blood vessels, increases clot formation, and raises heart attack risk. | Reduces oxygen levels, contributing to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. |
| Physical Inactivity | This leads to obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease, increasing heart attack risk. | This contributes to poor heart function, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest. |
| Excessive Alcohol Consumption | Raises blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attacks. | It can disrupt heart rhythms, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest. |
| Drug and Alcohol Abuse | Stimulants like cocaine can cause artery spasms, leading to heart attacks. | Certain drugs can trigger severe arrhythmias, causing sudden cardiac arrest. |
| Diabetes | High blood sugar damages arteries, increasing plaque buildup and heart attack risk. | Increases the risk of arrhythmias due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage. |
| Age and Gender | Risk increases after 50, with men at higher risk; women’s risk rises after menopause. | Older adults have weaker hearts, making them more prone to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. |
| Family History & Genetics | Inherited conditions can lead to early heart disease and high cholesterol, increasing heart attack risk. | Some genetic disorders affect heart rhythms, increasing cardiac arrest risk. |
| Heart Failure | Increases the likelihood of a heart attack due to poor heart function. | Weakens the heart’s ability to pump effectively, raising the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. |
Being aware of the symptoms of heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest will help you get timely treatment. Most individuals experiencing cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or arrhythmias, exhibit early warning signs, and recognizing these symptoms quickly can significantly improve outcomes and increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Let us explore the symptoms of cardiac arrest vs. heart attack.
Symptoms before cardiac arrest can vary, and in certain cases, there won’t be warning signs at all. However, you may experience symptoms even weeks before the episode. Here are the common symptoms of cardiac arrest.
The symptoms of heart attack often develop more gradually as blood flow to your heart muscle is reduced due to blockage in the arteries. Some of the common signs include the following:
During In the event of a cardiac arrest or heart attack, immediate action will increase the chances of survival. Early recognition and intervention can reduce heart damage and improve recovery outcomes. Here’s the recommended first-aid response:
Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. For cardiac arrest, every second counts—begin CPR if the person is unresponsive. In a heart attack, encourage the person to stay still and avoid exertion while waiting for medical help.
For cardiac arrest, check if the person responds by tapping their shoulder and asking if they are okay. Look for chest movements, listen for breathing, and feel for airflow. If they are unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, start CPR immediately. For a heart attack, if the person is conscious but experiencing chest pain, monitor their symptoms and keep them calm.
If a heart attack is suspected, have the person sit comfortably, preferably leaning back slightly. Reassure them and avoid unnecessary movement to reduce strain on the heart. Anxiety can elevate heart rate and worsen symptoms.
For heart attacks, if the person is conscious, not allergic, and has no contraindications, encourage them to chew one aspirin (typically 325 mg) to help thin the blood. Avoid aspirin if they have a history of bleeding disorders or are advised against it by a doctor. Aspirin is not relevant for cardiac arrest since the person is unresponsive.
For a heart attack, watch for worsening symptoms, including increasing pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness. If they become unresponsive, check for breathing and a pulse—if absent, begin CPR. For cardiac arrest, perform immediate chest compressions, maintaining a rate of 100-120 per minute and compressing at least 2 inches deep.
For cardiac arrest, use an AED if available. Turn it on, follow voice instructions, and apply the pads as directed. If the device advises a shock, deliver it and continue CPR. An AED is not necessary for a heart attack, as the person’s heart is still beating.
For cardiac arrest, perform uninterrupted CPR unless the person regains consciousness, medical help arrives, or you are physically unable to continue. If dealing with a heart attack, remain with the person, keep them calm, and be prepared to act if their condition worsens.
Keeping a person calm is crucial in both heart attack and cardiac arrest situations. In a heart attack, stress increases the workload on the heart. In cardiac arrest, bystanders should remain focused on CPR and AED use without hesitation.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) work together to save lives during cardiac emergencies. CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs, while AED delivers a shock to restore normal heart rhythm. The combination of immediate chest compressions and rapid defibrillation increases survival rates significantly.
CPR is a manual lifesaving technique that involves chest compressions to maintain blood circulation and provide oxygen to vital organs, particularly the brain. When performed correctly and immediately after cardiac arrest, CPR helps buy time until advanced medical care arrives. Early CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival and reduce the likelihood of severe brain damage.
AEDs are portable devices designed to detect the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. In cases of cardiac arrest caused by abnormal heart rhythms, AEDs can dramatically improve survival outcomes. These devices are easy to use, with step-by-step instructions that guide even untrained bystanders through the process of defibrillation.
When used together, CPR and AED usage can substantially increase the likelihood of survival. Studies show that survival rates can improve by up to 70% when both interventions are applied within minutes of cardiac arrest. In public spaces and workplaces, the presence of AEDs and the widespread knowledge of CPR can dramatically improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of community preparedness in responding to cardiac emergencies.
While it’s not always possible to prevent a cardiac emergency, your lifestyle habits can go a long way in protecting your heart health. Let us explore some of the healthy habits to ensure your heart health.
Being aware of the difference between cardiac arrest vs heart attack helps you in timely intervention. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing chest pain, while cardiac arrest is a sudden stop of the heart’s electrical activity, leading to unconsciousness and cessation of breathing. In both cases, immediate action can save lives. For a heart attack, call emergency services and keep the person calm. To handle the emergency of cardiac arrest, consider enrolling in online training to perform CPR and use an AED if available. Moreover, prioritizing heart health through healthy lifestyle changes and engaging in regular medical check-ups will significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
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