Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: Key Symptoms and What To Do When Every Second Counts
A cardiologist explains who may be most at risk
There are plenty of health conditions and medical events that loom big and scary in our minds, and two of the most frightening are heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. But knowing what each of these looks like and what action you should take if they occur can make them a little less scary, plus give you the power to save lives (including, possibly, your own). Here’s what you need to know when it comes to cardiac arrest vs. a heart attack.
Cardiac arrest symptoms
“Sudden cardiac arrest is when one’s heart stops beating or pumping,” explains Jossef Amirian, MD, a cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology in New York City. There are two key signs that almost always accompany a cardiac arrest
- The person typically collapses and becomes unresponsive or looks like they have passed out
- They’re not breathing or are gasping for air, and typically do not respond to shaking or shouting
Dr. Amirian adds that cardiac arrest almost always happens without warning, meaning there won’t be any symptoms or clues preceding it.
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Heart attack symptoms
“A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked,” Dr. Amirian says. Unlike with sudden cardiac arrest, people typically have some noticeable symptoms before a heart attack occurs.
“A person having a heart attack often appears pale with cold sweats and classically grabs their chest complaining of chest pain,” says Dr. Amirian. (Discover the more subtle symptoms of a heart attack in women here.)
Other symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Some heart attacks don’t present with classic symptoms or the symptoms are so mild that you may not connect them to a heart attack—especially symptoms like nausea and unexplained fatigue. In fact, according to the CDC, 20 percent of heart attacks are “silent,” causing damage before you even realize they have happened. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t see it coming.
Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is also the most common cause of heart attack. So if you’ve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and you begin to experience mild symptoms, it’s more likely that they could be the result of a heart attack than in the case of someone who doesn’t have heart disease.
Risk factors for cardiac arrest vs. heart attack
Heart attack and cardiac arrest do share risk factors in some cases. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen after a heart attack, in which case it has many of the same risk factors, such as coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, history of smoking and a family history of heart disease.
“On the other hand, sudden cardiac arrest may be a result of non-ischemic causes as well, such as structural issues including valvular disease, heart rhythm pathology, metabolic and lung-related issues,” notes Dr. Amirian.
Put another way: If you’re at risk for a heart attack because of factors noted above, you’re going to be at a higher risk of experiencing cardiac arrest as well. But there are also unrelated causes of cardiac arrest, such as arrhythmias and electrical problems, that don’t overlap with risk factors for heart attack. (Learn when to worry about heart palpitations here.)
Emergency response: What to do in each case
Knowing how to respond if someone goes into cardiac arrest or has a heart attack can potentially save their life.
What to do for cardiac arrest
“Every second counts as it relates to cardiac arrest, and it is critical to know what to do,” says Dr. Amirian. “If you see somebody suddenly collapse, call or tell someone to call 911 and to get an AED [automated external defibrillator] and start CPR right away.”
Remember, the heart has stopped beating in a cardiac arrest, so CPR must be used to keep it pumping until someone brings an AED or a paramedic arrives to administer further care. According to the American Heart Association, CPR that is administered immediately after cardiac arrest can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.
What to do for a heart attack
Even though it presents differently and the person may ultimately appear to be fine, you should still call 911 right away if there’s any suspicion at all of a heart attack. “Every second counts in these moments,” Dr. Amirian says. If the person goes into cardiac arrest after the heart attack and isn’t breathing or doesn’t have a pulse, he adds, you should administer CPR until paramedics arrive.
Another key difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack is that you may be able to recognize that you are personally having a heart attack in enough time to ask for help. If this happens and you are alone, call 911 as quickly as you can. If you aren’t alone, tell someone else that you are having a heart attack and to call 911.
The bottom line: Cardiac arrest vs. heart attack
Understanding the differences in heart attack vs. cardiac arrest symptoms can help you recognize when to act fast—for yourself or others.
- Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and without warning. The person will often collapse, become unresponsive and stop breathing.
- Heart attacks usually come with warning signs, including chest pain, nausea or shortness of breath, and you may have time to call for help. They can lead to cardiac arrest.
In either case, call 911 immediately, and be prepared to administer CPR if needed. The more you know, the better equipped you are to respond in a crisis.
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