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.