Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are not the same condition and knowing the difference can help you respond quickly.
A heart attack is a circulation problem. It happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often because of a coronary artery blockage. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, causing the person to collapse and become unresponsive.
A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, but not every heart attack leads to it. Both are medical emergencies that require immediate action.
If someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing normally, call emergency services, begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. Quick action can save a life.
