In Surgery: The Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

You may hear the terms "cardiac arrest" and "heart attack" used interchangeably, but the terms truly are different.

A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops. This can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from an overdose of medication, a heart attack, a heart problem, or even as a result of respiratory arrest (not breathing).

A heart attack happens when blood cannot get to the muscle of the heart, causing damage to the tissue. If the attack is severe enough, or medical attention is not sought in time, a heart attack can cause such severe injury that cardiac arrest can happen.

If a cardiac arrest is witness, meaning there is someone present who can help, 911 can be called and CPR started. A cardiac arrest does not have to be life-ending, but it truly an emergency and even with immediate treatment, it can be fatal.

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