What is the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack?

05/15/2025 • Maryella Faratro

The main difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack lies in their underlying causes and the effects on the heart.

Cardiac Arrest:

Occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to an electrical malfunction in the heart.
Results in an immediate loss of blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs.
Requires immediate response, such as CPR and the use of an AED, to restart the heart.
Cardiac arrest is not always preceded by pre-existing heart conditions but can be triggered by various factors, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and electrical problems in the heart.

Heart Attack:

Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Results in the heart muscle being robbed of its vital blood supply and oxygen, causing the muscle to die if untreated.
The heart usually continues to beat during a heart attack, but the blood supply to the heart is compromised.
Heart attacks are often caused by pre-existing heart conditions and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.

In summary, a heart attack is a circulation problem resulting from a blocked artery, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem caused by a disruption in the heart's rhythm. Both are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention, but they differ in their causes and effects on the heart.

Comparative Table: Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack

Here is a comparison table summarizing the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack:

Feature	Heart Attack	Cardiac Arrest
Definition	A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque in the arteries.	Cardiac arrest is when a person's heart stops pumping blood around their body and they stop breathing normally.
Cause	Circulation problem, often triggered by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque in the arteries.	Electrical problem, triggered by a disruption of the heart's rhythm.
Symptoms	- Chest pain or discomfort - Nausea and vomiting - Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness - Rapid or irregular heart rate - Shortness of breath	- No pulse - Not breathing or difficulty breathing - Loss of consciousness
Outcome	Results in damage to the heart or even death if not treated.	Leads to the collapse of the person and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Both heart attack and cardiac arrest are life-threatening medical emergencies. Recognizing the symptoms of each and seeking immediate medical help can save a life.