What’s the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
Heart attack vs cardiac arrest – the terms are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. Both are serious medical emergencies involving the heart, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the difference isn’t just helpful but could potentially help save someone’s life.
In this article, we break down what happens in each condition, how to recognise the signs, and what to do in an emergency.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your heart or heart health, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: The Basics
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries. The heart keeps beating, but part of the muscle is starved of oxygen.
A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether, often due to an electrical issue like a dangerous arrhythmia. This stops blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs.
Put simply:
🫀 Heart attack = circulation problem
⚡ Cardiac arrest = electrical problem
What Happens in the Body During Each Event
Heart Attack:
- The heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen due to a blockage
- Damage builds over minutes to hours if untreated
- The heart may still pump blood, but not efficiently
Cardiac Arrest:
- The heart’s electrical system malfunctions
- The heart stops pumping blood entirely
- Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, brain damage or death can occur within minutes
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Symptoms: How to Spot the Difference
Heart Attack Symptoms:
- Chest pain or pressure (may spread to arm, jaw, neck, or back)
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Light-headedness or fatigue
PLEASE NOTE: symptoms can be more subtle in women.
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- May occur without warning or be triggered by an earlier heart attack
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Common Causes and Risk Factors
Cardiac Arrest:
- Arrhythmias (especially ventricular fibrillation)
- Previous heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
- Drug misuse
- Sudden trauma
Heart Attack:
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Stress
Heart Attack Emergency Response: What to Do
In a Heart Attack:
- Call 999 immediately
- Keep the person calm and seated
- Give aspirin if advised and not allergic
- Monitor until help arrives
Cardiac Arrest Emergency Response: What to Do
In a Cardiac Arrest:
- Call 999 immediately
- Start CPR without delay
- Use a defibrillator (AED) if available (BHF Defib Finder)
- Every second counts – prompt action can double or triple survival chances
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If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, or chest discomfort, especially during times of high stress, it may be worth investigating further.
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Long-Term Recovery and Management
Heart attack survivors often need lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes procedures like stents or bypass surgery. Cardiac arrest survivors typically undergo further testing (like ECGs or Holter monitoring) to find out what caused the event and prevent it from happening again – this may involve medication, surgery, or an implantable defibrillator (ICD).
Why Knowing the Difference Could Save a Life
Misunderstanding the signs could lead to delays in treatment. For example, someone having a cardiac arrest needs CPR immediately – not a wait-and-see approach. Being able to tell the difference allows you to act faster, stay calmer, and potentially save a life.
Bonus Insight: Monitoring Matters
If you’ve experienced symptoms like palpitations, chest discomfort, or light-headedness, even occasionally, it may be worth investigating further.
Our ambulatory ECG monitoring is a non-invasive way to track your heart’s activity over 24 hours or longer. It can help detect underlying rhythm issues, such as arrhythmias, that might put you at higher risk of cardiac arrest or complications after a heart attack. Your data is reviewed by our trusted cardiologists and a report is sent to you via email. You’ll get a breakdown of the results, along with any recommendations for testing, medication, or further investigation.
