Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are not the same thing.

Heart Attack:

• Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked by a clot.

• The longer the person with a heart attack goes without treatment, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.

• Occasionally, the damaged heart muscle triggers an abnormal rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Arrest:

• Occurs due to an abnormal heart rhythm.

• The abnormal rhythm causes the heart to quiver so that it can no longer pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs.

• Within seconds, the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing or is only gasping.

• Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive lifesaving treatment.