What distinguishes cardiac arrest from a heart attack?

Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are two distinct medical emergencies, and understanding their differences is crucial for effective response and treatment.

Cardiac arrest refers to a situation where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to a cessation of blood flow to vital organs. This can occur without any preceding symptoms and results in the immediate need for resuscitation efforts such as CPR and defibrillation.

On the other hand, a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can cause chest pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, but it does not always lead to immediate cardiac arrest. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if the heart becomes severely damaged or if an arrhythmia develops.

The correct distinction here is that cardiac arrest specifically means the heart has stopped beating, while a heart attack often presents with considerable pain and can lead to arrest if not addressed. Recognizing this difference is essential for first responders to provide the appropriate intervention in each scenario.