A cardiologist says between cardiac arrest vs. heart attack, one is "far more critical"—and shares tips to keep your ticker beating strong.
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: A Cardiologist Explains the Differences
Published on Dec. 20, 2024
It’s no question that the human heart is an extraordinary organ. It pumps blood, delivers oxygen, and provides vital nutrients to every cell in our body.
Yet like any finely tuned engine, the heart can falter under extreme stress. Factors such as high blood pressure, artery-clogging plaque, and genetic predispositions can weaken its performance, increasing the risk of a sudden crisis. When that happens, conditions like cardiac arrest or a heart attack may occur, bringing life-altering—or even fatal—consequences.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in the United States, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease, a statistic that highlights the urgent need to understand signs your heart is in trouble. Among the most critical points to clarify for the layperson is the difference between “cardiac arrest vs heart attack.” While some people use these terms interchangeably, they actually describe distinct medical crises with unique causes, symptoms, and outcomes.
Ahead, Wahaj Aman, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with UT Health Houston and Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what distinguishes “cardiac arrest vs. heart attack,” including which one is more serious, how to recover, and how best to prevent these emergencies. (Dr. Aman is an “interventional cardiologist,” which means he’s specially trained to intervene with surgical or other medical treatment in cases when a patient’s heart is in trouble.)
What is cardiac arrest?
“A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating,” Dr. Aman says. “This requires urgent CPR and sometimes electric shocks to restart the heartbeat.”
Each year, more than 356,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. While it primarily affects adults, children can also experience cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of cardiac arrest
“Cardiac arrest presents as people passing out and having a lack of pulse,” says Dr. Aman.
Although the condition occurs suddenly, there may be cardiac arrest warning signs beforehand, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat.
What causes cardiac arrest?
“The most common cause of cardiac arrest is a heart attack,” says Dr. Aman. However, other potential causes include:
- Imbalance of electrolytes
- A large clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Trauma
- Severe bleeding
- Intoxications
- Severe infections
What is a heart attack?
“A heart attack is an occlusion or severe narrowing of a coronary artery that abruptly reduces blood supply to the heart,” Dr. Aman says. Each year, about 805,000 people in the United States experience this life-threatening condition. While many individuals feel intense chest pain, others might only notice mild indigestion.
As Dr. Aman warns, “The worst manifestation of a heart attack is a cardiac arrest.”
Symptoms of a heart attack
Dr. Aman highlights the differences in symptoms between men and women:
- In men: Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.
- In women: Similar symptoms to men, but they may also experience signs such as weakness, indigestion, and muscle aches.
- General symptoms: Pain typically occurs on the left side, radiating to the left arm, neck, and jaw. People with diabetes may experience fatigue as their primary symptom.
What’s the most common cause of a heart attack?
“The leading cause of heart attack is coronary artery disease,” says Dr. Aman. Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque accumulates in the arteries and eventually ruptures, creating a blood clot that suddenly blocks blood flow to the heart.
Common heart attack risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Cardiac arrest vs. Heart attack: Which is more serious?
“Cardiac arrest is far more critical than a heart attack,” Dr. Aman says clearly. The distinction lies in the immediate threat to life. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. Without prompt intervention, such as CPR or the use of a defibrillator, cardiac arrest can quickly become fatal.
Dr. Aman shares an unfortunate statistic: Only about 10% of individuals who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive long enough to be admitted, and fewer than 5% are discharged with good brain function.
What to do for cardiac arrest
- The first step is to check whether the person has a pulse. “If they do not have a pulse, immediately start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) by compressing the chest 100 to 120 times per minute,” advises Dr. Aman.
- Calling 911 is critical to ensure professional medical help is on the way.
- If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow its instructions until emergency responders arrive.
What to do for a heart attack
- If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, the most important step is to call 911 immediately. Dr. Aman emphasizes the urgency: “A famous saying in the world of cardiology is, ‘Time is muscle.’ The quicker we have access to the patient, the better their chances of survival.”
- While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, there are steps you can take to help. “If the person is awake, they should chew four baby aspirins or a full-dose aspirin. This will help thin the blood.” Acting quickly can make all the difference.
Lifestyle changes to make after a cardiac arrest or heart attack
Incorporating healthier habits is essential for improving longevity and reducing the risk of future heart attacks. “I tell my patients, ‘Half the battle is won at the grocery store,'” Dr. Aman says. He recommends that 80% to 90% of your diet come from the produce aisle, focusing on fresh, whole foods while minimizing processed options. Although Dr. Aman doesn’t typically ban foods outright, he cautions against ultra-processed items like bacon, sugary baked goods, and sodas.
Regular physical activity is equally important. The American Heart Association advises 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. “In my clinic, we urge patients to ‘Just start moving.’ We start seeing cardiac benefits at 5,000 steps a day,” he adds.
The takeaway? The more you move, the better your chances of a longer, healthier life.
How to keep your heart healthy
Beyond a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—and paired with consistent physical activity—stress management is vital to heart health.
Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and sufficient sleep can help protect your heart. Quitting smoking and alcohol, and monitoring conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes through regular check-ups and proper medication, are also key. With steady effort, these lifestyle changes can pave the way toward a stronger, healthier heart.
About the expert:
Wahaj Aman, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Health System, as well as a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He has been practicing since 2011.
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