Heart Attacks vs Cardiac Arrest

Heart attack vs cardiac arrest

“Is cardiac arrest a heart attack?”

Many people falsely believe that cardiac arrest and heart attacks are the same. Some people may even use the terms interchangeably. However, there are some distinct differences between cardiac arrest and heart attacks.

Heart attacks are usually caused by a blockage in the arteries, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood. Here are the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Heart attacks

A heart attack occurs when an artery that sends blood to the heart becomes blocked. Cholesterol builds up in these arteries, causing this blockage. As a result, a heart attack occurs as blood cannot travel to the heart. The heart does not stop beating during a heart attack.¹

Symptoms can occur for days, weeks, or months leading up to a heart attack.² Signs of a heart attack include:³

Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Pain/discomfort in one/both arms
Unexplained tiredness
Nausea
Vomiting

However, it’s important to note that some symptoms of a heart attack may be mild. There are also some people who experience “silent” heart attacks, which are heart attacks that occur without a person’s knowledge because there are no symptoms. It is estimated that 45% of people who get heart attacks will have a “silent” heart attack.⁴

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood, causing the body to no longer receive the blood it needs for its organs to function. In cases of cardiac arrest, the heart will stop beating.

Usually, cardiac arrest is caused by certain types of arrhythmias that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood. The main causes of cardiac arrest include ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, both of which are types of arrhythmias.⁵

Some people may receive warning signs up to a month before cardiac arrest. However, it can often occur suddenly as well.² Signs of cardiac arrest include:⁶

Sudden collapse
Not breathing
Lack of pulse
Lost consciousness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Chest discomfort

How are heart attacks and cardiac arrest linked?

While heart attacks and cardiac arrest are not the same condition, one of them can lead to another. It is estimated that cardiac arrest causes half of the deaths linked to heart attacks or strokes.⁵

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart no longer beats. If a person with a heart attack experiences a severe blockage of blood in the arteries, then the heart could stop beating and cause a case of cardiac arrest.

What are some key facts between cardiac arrest and heart attacks?

Both can occur suddenly and without a warning.
Both cardiac arrest and heart attack cases are serious and should have 911 called on the spot. The longer a person goes without treatment for a heart attack or cardiac arrest, the more damage to the heart and body may occur.
Cardiac arrest is in general more life-threatening and serious; heart attack victims can usually live longer, but will still need care if left untreated.
CPR can be used on someone with cardiac arrest while waiting for help to arrive. Here is a helpful resource to help you learn more about CPR and when to give it.⁷
For someone experiencing a heart attack, it is generally advised to take an aspirin to help lessen the effects while waiting for help.
Nearly 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest each year, and only 10% survive;⁸ 805,000 people experience heart attacks each year, with 605,000 of these being a first time heart attack.⁹
Both cardiac arrest and heart attacks can be less likely if you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eat fruits and vegetables, get plenty of exercise, and avoid smoking to keep your heart healthy for years to come.

About Saber Healthcare Group

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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

“Heart Attack.” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106
“Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Heart Failure—What's the Difference?” Ceders-Sinai. 13 April 2017. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/heart-attack-cardiac-arrest-and-heart-failure.html
“Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 12 July 2022. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm
“17 Facts About Heart Attacks.” Saber Healthcare Group. 19 February 2023. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/facts-about-heart-attacks
“What Is Cardiac Arrest?” National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cardiac-arrest
“Sudden cardiac arrest.” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634
“What is CPR?” American Heart Association, CPR and First Aide. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr
“Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: NHLBI studies tackle deadly public health problem.” National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. 10 February 2023. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/out-hospital-cardiac-arrest-nhlbi-studies-tackle-deadly-public-health-problem#:~:text=Out%2Dof%2Dhospital%20cardiac%20arrest%20claims%20the%20lives%20of%20nearly,American%20Heart%20Association%20(AHA).
“Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 19 July 2023. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20about%20805%2C000%20people,States%20have%20a%20heart%20attack.&text=Of%20these%2C,are%20a%20first%20heart%20attack

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