Heart Alert: What are the Difference between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack ?

Wellsun Medicity | Best Cardiac Hospital in Lucknow

Many people use the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest interchangeably. But medically, they are two different conditions—and both require urgent attention.

In this blog, we will explain Difference between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack:

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage usually occurs due to plaque buildup (cholesterol) in the coronary arteries.

When the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, it starts getting damaged.

Common Causes of Heart Attack

·         High cholesterol

·         High blood pressure

·         Diabetes

·         Smoking

·         Obesity

·         Stress

·         Lack of physical activity

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

·         Chest pain, tightness, or pressure

·         Pain spreading to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or back

·         Shortness of breath

·         Sweating

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Dizziness or weakness

    📌 Important Note:

During a heart attack, the person is often conscious and breathing, though in severe cases they may collapse.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. This happens due to an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia).

When the heart stops, blood stops flowing to the brain and body, and the person can lose consciousness within seconds.

Common Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Abnormal heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation)

Severe heart attack

Heart failure

Cardiomyopathy

Electric shock

Drowning

Severe electrolyte imbalance

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Sudden collapse

Unconsciousness

No pulse

No breathing (or gasping)

🚨 Cardiac arrest is immediately life-threatening.

How to Identify the Difference Quickly

If the person is awake and complaining of chest pain → It may be a Heart Attack.

If the person collapses suddenly and is not breathing → It is likely Cardiac Arrest.

Can a Heart Attack Cause Cardiac Arrest?

Yes. A heart attack can trigger dangerous heart rhythms, leading to cardiac arrest, especially if treatment is delayed.

That’s why chest pain should never be ignored.

What to Do in an Emergency

✅  If You Suspect a Heart Attack

Keep the person calm and seated

Call an ambulance immediately

Loosen tight clothing

Do not delay medical help

Reach a hospital with emergency cardiac services

📍 At Wellsun Medicity Lucknow, we provide 24×7 cardiac emergency care.

✅    If You Suspect Cardiac Arrest

Call emergency services immediately

Check responsiveness and breathing

Start CPR right away

Use an AED if available

Continue CPR until medical help arrives

🚨  In cardiac arrest, every second matters.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Both heart attack and cardiac arrest can be fatal if not treated on time. The best way to reduce risk is:

Regular heart checkups

Controlling BP, sugar, and cholesterol

Quitting smoking

Staying active

Eating a heart-healthy diet

Advanced Hear tCare at Wellsun Medicity, Lucknow

Wellsun Medicity is known for advanced heart care and emergency services in Lucknow.

Our Cardiac Services Include

24×7 Emergency & ICU

ECG, Echo & Cardiac Blood Tests

Angiography & Angioplasty

Interventional Cardiology

Cardiac Surgery Support

Preventive Heart Checkups

📍 Wellsun Medicity – Best Cardiac Hospital in Lucknow

FAQs

1. Is chest pain always a heart attack?

Not always, but it should never be ignored. Get evaluated immediately.

2. Does cardiac arrest always happen without warning?

Often yes. Sometimes warning signs like dizziness, palpitations, or fainting may occur.

3. What is the fastest life-saving step in cardiac arrest?

Immediate CPR and using an AED (if available).

4. Where can I get emergency heart care in Lucknow?

You can visit Wellsun Medicity Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow for 24×7 emergency support.

Conclusion

A heart attack is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical failure. Both are serious, but cardiac arrest is instantly life-threatening and requires CPR immediately.

If you notice warning signs, do not wait—seek emergency care right away.

Need Emergency Heart Care in Lucknow?

🏥 Wellsun Medicity Super Speciality Hospital

📍 Vrindavan Yojna, Lucknow

❤️ 24×7 Emergency & Cardiac Support Available

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are two distinct medical conditions that are often confused with each other, but they have different meanings and consequences.

Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating or beats irregularly, resulting in a lack of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

·         Electrical problems in the heart

·         Abnormal heart rhythms

·         Heart failure

·         Cardiac tamponade

·         Medication overdose

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation (using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator) to restore a normal heartbeat

Heart Attack:

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage or death to the heart muscle.

This blockage is usually caused by:

Coronary artery disease (plaque buildup in the coronary arteries)

Blood clots

Abnormal blood vessels

Heart attacks can cause chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, but they do not necessarily result in cardiac arrest.

 Know come to key point Difference between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack.

Cause: Cardiac arrest is often caused by electrical problems or other factors that affect the heart's ability to pump blood, while a heart attack is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries.

Symptoms: Cardiac arrest typically presents with no signs of consciousness, while a heart attack often has symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea.

Treatment: Cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR and defibrillation, while a heart attack typically requires medical attention to restore blood flow to the affected area.

Outcome: Cardiac arrest can lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly and effectively, while a heart attack can cause damage to the heart muscle, but prompt medical treatment can help minimize this damage.

Wellsun Medicity Expert Suggested:

Cardiac arrest is a sudden stop in the heart's ability to pump blood, requiring immediate CPR and defibrillation.

A heart attack is a blockage in the coronary arteries that reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, requiring medical attention to restore blood flow.