The terms heart attack and cardiac arrest are often used interchangeably, yet they describe two very different medical emergencies. Both involve the heart, but they differ in cause, onset, and how quickly they can become life-threatening. Understanding this difference is crucial, as it can mean the difference between life and death when every second counts.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, while cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical failure. Recognising these distinctions helps ensure timely response, proper treatment, and better chances of survival.
As cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of death worldwide, greater awareness is essential. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, along with their symptoms, emergency response, and preventive measures that can help save lives through timely awareness and care.
Understanding Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Both heart attack and cardiac arrest affect the heart, but they occur in entirely different ways. Understanding how each develops helps in recognising the urgency of medical attention required for both conditions.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque in the coronary arteries. Without timely treatment, this blockage can damage or destroy the heart tissue. Common causes include high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
A cardiac arrest, on the other hand, occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating suddenly. This halts blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, leading to loss of consciousness within seconds. Without immediate medical help or CPR, cardiac arrest can quickly become fatal.
While a heart attack is a circulation problem and cardiac arrest is an electrical one, the two are closely linked, and a severe heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest.
Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: The Key Differences
Although both conditions involve the heart, the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest lies in how and why they happen. Recognising these distinctions can help ensure the right response at the right time. Here’s how they differ:
Aspect | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
Cause | Blockage in the coronary arteries restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. | Electrical malfunction in the heart causes it to stop beating suddenly. |
Nature of Problem | Circulatory problem: blood supply issue. | Electrical problem: heart rhythm failure. |
Onset | Usually gradual, with warning signs or discomfort building up. | Occurs suddenly without warning. |
Symptoms | Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, pain radiating to arm, neck, or jaw. | Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, loss of consciousness. |
Consciousness | Person is usually conscious and breathing. | Person becomes unresponsive within seconds. |
Emergency Response | Call emergency services immediately; patient needs urgent medical treatment and medication. | Perform CPR and use an AED immediately; emergency help is required to restart the heart. |
Outcome | Survival rates improve with early treatment. | Fatal within minutes without CPR or defibrillation. |
Recognising the Symptoms and Warning Signs
Identifying the early signs of heart attack and cardiac arrest can make the difference between life and death. While both are cardiac emergencies, their symptoms appear in distinct ways and demand different responses.
Heart Attack Symptoms: A heart attack often develops gradually, with warning signs that may begin hours or even days before the event. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure that may feel like tightness, heaviness, or squeezing.
- Pain spreading to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or rest.
- Cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea.
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms: Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly and without warning. The person usually experiences:
- Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness.
- No pulse and no breathing.
- Unresponsiveness to touch or sound.
While a heart attack allows a brief window for medical intervention, cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR and emergency care to restore heartbeat and circulation. Acting within minutes can be life-saving.
Emergency Response and Immediate Action
In any cardiac emergency, every second matters. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival. The first few minutes after a heart attack or cardiac arrest often determine the outcome.
If You Suspect a Heart Attack:
- Call emergency medical help immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself or the patient to the hospital.
- Keep the person calm and seated upright to ease strain on the heart.
- Loosen tight clothing and ensure proper airflow.
- Give aspirin (if not allergic and medically advised) to help reduce clot formation.
- Avoid food or drink until evaluated by a doctor.
If Someone Experiences Cardiac Arrest:
- Call for help right away and check for breathing or pulse.
- Begin CPR immediately. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available, and follow the device’s voice instructions.
- Continue CPR until emergency medical services arrive or the person regains consciousness.
Prompt recognition and immediate action can mean the difference between survival and irreversible damage. Awareness, readiness, and timely response can save lives.
Prevention and Long-Term Heart Health
Heart attack and cardiac arrest often stem from the same underlying causes, such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, unmanaged health conditions, and delayed preventive care. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of both conditions and improve overall heart health.
Here’s how to protect your heart:
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing salt, sugar, and processed foods.
- Stay physically active: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
- Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar: Regular health check-ups help detect and manage conditions that increase cardiovascular risk.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Tobacco and excessive alcohol intake are major contributors to heart disease and sudden cardiac events.
- Manage stress effectively: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to maintain emotional and cardiovascular balance.
- Get preventive heart screenings: Regular ECGs, echocardiograms, and lipid profiles help assess heart function and detect problems early.
Small lifestyle changes, when maintained consistently, can have a profound impact on heart health, preventing not only heart attacks and cardiac arrests but also other cardiovascular complications.
How Artemis Hospitals Supports Emergency and Cardiac Care
At Artemis Hospitals, every second counts when it comes to heart health. The hospital’s integrated emergency and cardiology services ensure that patients receive immediate, expert care during life-threatening events such as heart attacks and cardiac arrests. From rapid response to long-term rehabilitation, every step is guided by precision, compassion, and advanced technology. Here’s how Artemis Hospitals provides round-the-clock cardiac and emergency support:
- 24x7 Cardiac Emergency Response: A dedicated emergency team is always on standby to manage critical heart conditions. With advanced life-support systems and trained specialists, patients receive immediate attention from the moment they arrive.
- Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics: Facilities such as ECG, 2D echocardiography, cardiac stress testing, angiography, and cardiac MRI enable accurate and timely diagnosis, helping doctors plan precise treatments.
- Expert Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons: The hospital’s team of renowned cardiologists, interventional specialists, and cardiac surgeons handle complex cases with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring continuity of care at every stage.
- State-of-the-art Cath Labs and ICUs: Equipped with the latest technology for minimally invasive procedures and continuous monitoring, Artemis provides safe and effective intervention for critical cardiac emergencies.
- Preventive and Rehabilitative Care: Beyond emergency management, Artemis focuses on preventing recurrence through personalised cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle guidance, and regular follow-ups.
By blending expertise with empathy, Artemis Hospitals ensures that patients not only survive cardiac emergencies but also return to healthier, more confident lives.
Book an Appointment Today
Early detection and timely intervention are the cornerstones of heart health. Regular cardiac check-ups and preventive screenings can help identify risks before they turn into emergencies. At Artemis Hospitals, specialised cardiologists, advanced diagnostic facilities, and 24x7 emergency services ensure comprehensive heart care for every patient.
To consult a cardiologist or book a preventive heart screening at Artemis Hospitals, call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp +91 9599285476. Appointments can also be scheduled through the online patient portal or the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
Article By Dr. DK Jhamb
Chief Cardiology (Unit IV)
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage to the tissue. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. A heart attack is a circulation problem, while cardiac arrest is an electrical failure.
Can a heart attack cause cardiac arrest?
Yes. A severe heart attack can disrupt the heart’s rhythm and trigger a cardiac arrest, especially if large portions of the heart muscle are damaged.
Which is worse - cardiac arrest or heart attack?
Both are serious, but cardiac arrest is more immediately life-threatening because the heart stops beating altogether. Without quick CPR or defibrillation, it can be fatal within minutes.
What happens to the heart during a heart attack?
A blockage in the coronary arteries prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching parts of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage or death if not treated promptly.
What happens to the body during cardiac arrest?
During cardiac arrest, blood flow to vital organs stops. Within seconds, the person loses consciousness and stops breathing. Without emergency CPR, permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes.
Can someone survive a cardiac arrest without CPR?
Survival is extremely unlikely without CPR or immediate defibrillation. Performing CPR keeps blood flowing to the brain and organs until medical help arrives.
What are the early warning signs of a heart attack?
Common signs include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and pain radiating to the arms, jaw, or back. Women may experience fatigue, dizziness, or indigestion-like discomfort instead of classic chest pain.
Who is at higher risk for heart attacks or cardiac arrests?
People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking habits, or a family history of heart disease face greater risk. Older adults and individuals with sedentary lifestyles are also more vulnerable.
Do Artemis Hospitals offer emergency treatment for heart attacks and cardiac arrests?
Yes. Artemis Hospitals provides 24x7 cardiac emergency services, including advanced life support, expert cardiologists, and modern Cath Labs to handle all types of cardiac emergencies.
Can I get a preventive heart screening package at Artemis Hospitals?
Yes. Artemis offers a range of preventive heart health packages that include ECG, echocardiography, lipid profile, and cardiac stress tests to detect early signs of heart disease.
Who is the best doctor near me in Gurgaon to treat heart attacks or cardiac arrests?
Artemis Hospitals houses some of the best cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Gurgaon, known for their expertise in managing heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and complex cardiac procedures.
