Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: Why the Difference Matters

People often use the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest as if they mean the same thing. They do not.

Heart attack: a circulation problem

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. The person is often awake and may have chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, or discomfort in the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Symptoms can be dramatic, but they can also begin gradually or feel less obvious than people expect.

Cardiac arrest: the heart stops pumping effectively

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. The person typically collapses, becomes unresponsive, and is not breathing normally or is only gasping.

What to do

Suspected heart attack: call 911 promptly. EMS can begin evaluation and treatment on the way to the hospital.

Cardiac arrest: call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as one is available.

The conditions can be connected

A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, but most heart attacks do not immediately cause the heart to stop.

Knowing the difference removes confusion when clear action matters most.

Related Guardian Field Notes

• Hands-Only CPR: Two Steps to Remember When an Adult Suddenly Collapses
• Feeling Faint: What to Do Before Someone Falls

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Sources and further reading: American Heart Association — Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Differences and What Is Cardiac Arrest?. Educational information only; call 911 for a suspected emergency.