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Trying to decipher the difference between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack can be confusing for most people. Both involve the heart, both can be life-threatening, both require a call to 911 and both get used interchangeably in everyday conversation.
However, they are two different events, and knowing which is which and the symptoms and causes of each will help you respond with confidence for a loved one, a coworker or yourself.
Understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack is key to helping someone (or yourself) get the medical assistance they need. A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest, but a heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same thing.
| Cardiac arrest | Heart attack | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens? | An electrical problem that keeps the heart from pumping blood effectively | A blood flow problem where a blocked artery cuts off oxygen to part of the heart muscle |
| What causes it? | A heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia), which can occur during or after a heart attack or in the setting of a damaged or weakened heart | A plaque ruptures within the coronary artery and a blood clot forms, thereby narrowing or blocking the coronary artery |
| How does it start? | Suddenly, often with little or no warning | Symptoms may develop gradually, come and go (called stuttering), or begin suddenly |
| Is the heart still beating? | No, in the moments of a cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer pumping blood effectively | The heart is still beating unless the heart attack leads to cardiac arrest |
| What you might notice/symptoms | Person suddenly collapses, is pulseless and does not respond, and is not breathing normally | Person is usually awake and breathing. Symptoms include chest pain, pressure or squeezing, discomfort or heaviness that can spread to the arm, jaw or back. Sometimes the initial symptom is shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, stomach pain or unusual tiredness |
| What should you do? | Call 911, start CPR and use an AED | Call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions |
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system misfires and the heart stops pumping blood to the rest of the body. This event will be very sudden and unexpected. Within seconds, a person collapses, loses consciousness and stops breathing. In the moments leading to collapse, the person may report feeling their heart racing, dizziness, lightheadedness or any of the symptoms of a heart attack listed above. You typically will not be able to find a pulse.
Cardiac arrest usually arrives without a warning, though as detailed above, some people notice dizziness, chest discomfort or a racing heartbeat beforehand. Triggers of cardiac arrest include:
About 805,000 Americans experience a heart attack every year, including first and recurrent heart attacks. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is cut off or blocked. Most often, a plaque inside a coronary artery breaks open and a clot forms on top of it.
The muscle or tissue fed by that artery loses oxygen, and the longer that lasts, the more it is affected. Damaged heart muscle does not function normally and can rarely lead to cardiac arrest.
Heart attack symptoms can start gradually, may come and go, and can sometimes be mild at first. Typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
Heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women. While chest pain or discomfort is the most well-known sign, women are more likely to have subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw discomfort and unusual tiredness, which are often mistaken for less serious issues. Some women may experience little or no chest pain at all.
In the event of a cardiac arrest or heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the condition, survival depends on receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, (if necessary) and calling 911 to get medical help.
Early action makes a difference. CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival from cardiac arrest. The 2025 American Heart Association guidelines keep the essentials simple.
For a demonstration of how to perform CPR and use an AED, watch this video from the American Red Cross.
Call 911, even if you are not sure that it is a heart attack. EMS crews can start care on the way and alert the hospital.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms yourself, do not attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room or wait for the symptoms to subside.
While you wait, here are a few actionable steps to take:
An AED is meant for cardiac arrest, so it is not needed for someone who is having a heart attack but is awake and responsive.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US. Recent studies show that heart disease in younger adults is also on the rise.
You can't prevent every heart attack or cardiac arrest, but managing your cardiovascular risk factors can help protect your heart and lower your risk of heart disease. These include:
A yearly checkup with your primary care provider is a good way to keep an eye on your heart health and catch any changes early. Talk about lifestyle changes such as following a heart-healthy diet, finding ways to manage stress, ensuring you get enough sleep and creating an exercise routine that works for you.
You can also prepare to be the person who helps. The American Heart Association notes that only about 41% of adults who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital receive CPR from a bystander before emergency crews arrive, so every trained person adds to those odds. Find a class through the American Heart Association, your local fire department or a community center.
Have questions about your own heart health? Find a heart specialist near you.
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