Lifestyle - May 16, 2025

Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?

Ukpono Nsima May 16, 2025

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Many people often confuse cardiac arrest and heart attack, thinking they mean the same thing. Although both are serious heart-related emergencies, they are different conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the difference can help save lives.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood can’t reach part of the heart muscle. This usually occurs because of a blockage in the blood vessels that feed the heart. Without blood, that part of the heart muscle can get damaged or die.

Signs of a Heart Attack

Signs can come slowly or quickly and include:

Chest pain or tightness
Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Trouble breathing
Sweating a lot
Feeling sick or throwing up
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Some people may have different symptoms, like feeling very tired or having stomach problems.

Main Differences Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Aspect	Heart Attack	Cardiac Arrest

Cause

Blocked blood flow to heart muscle

Electrical problem causing heart to stop

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea

Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing

Onset

Can develop gradually over minutes or hours

Happens suddenly without warning

Heart Function

The heart usually keeps beating, but is damaged

The heart usually keeps beating but is damaged

Immediate Treatment

Restore blood flow (clot-busting drugs or surgery)

CPR and defibrillation are critical

Outcome Without Help

Damage to the heart muscle can lead to cardiac arrest

Death within minutes if untreated

How Are They Treated?

Heart Attack: Doctors try to open the blocked blood vessels quickly. They use medicines or surgery. After a heart attack, people usually need medicine and lifestyle changes.

Cardiac Arrest: This is an emergency. Someone needs to start CPR (pumping the chest) and use a defibrillator (electric shock) to restart the heart. The faster this is done, the better the chance of survival.

Can a Heart Attack Cause Cardiac Arrest?

Yes. A heart attack can cause the heart to stop beating properly, which leads to cardiac arrest. This is why it’s very important to get help fast if someone has a heart attack.