Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinct differences between heart attacks and cardiac arrest is critical—these two life-threatening events are often mistaken as the same, but they require different immediate responses and long-term care. Both involve the heart but affect it in fundamentally different ways. Heart attacks typically stem from blocked arteries restricting blood flow, while cardiac arrest involves a sudden cessation of the heart’s electrical activity. This article unpacks the essential nuances between these conditions, equipping you with knowledge that could save lives.

1. Defining a Heart Attack

A heart attack—medically termed myocardial infarction—occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the coronary arteries, blocking blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, heart tissue begins to die within minutes. This typically develops gradually, as plaque builds up in the arteries over years, eventually rupturing and triggering clot formation.