The Call That Changed Everything
It was a normal Tuesday.
Maya was making chai when her phone rang. Her father had collapsed at work.
They said it was a heart attack.
But by the time she reached the hospital, the doctors called it something worse:
Cardiac arrest.
“Isn’t that the same thing?” she asked, her voice trembling.
The doctor looked at her, then quietly said:
“No. And the difference is life or death.”
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: Not the Same
These two terms are often used interchangeably.
But medically? They’re very different.
Let’s break it down—dramatically but truthfully.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a part of the heart gets blocked—usually by a clot or fatty plaque.
The heart is still beating, but part of it is starving for oxygen.
Key Symptoms:
- Sudden chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to left arm, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Feeling dizzy or nauseous
- Conscious, but in distress
What’s Happening Inside?
It’s like a traffic jam in your heart’s highway. Blood can’t get through.
And if not treated quickly, part of the heart muscle dies.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is far more sudden—and far more deadly.
Here, the heart’s electrical system fails, and the heart stops beating altogether.
No pulse. No breathing. No time.
Symptoms:
- Sudden collapse
- No heartbeat
- No breathing
- Unconscious instantly
What’s Happening Inside?
It’s like someone pulled the plug.
There’s no blood flow, no oxygen to the brain.
Death occurs within minutes—unless CPR or a defibrillator is used immediately.
Can One Lead to the Other?
Yes. A severe heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.
But not all heart attacks result in arrest. And not all cardiac arrests are due to heart attacks.
Think of it this way:
Heart attack = plumbing issue
Cardiac arrest = electrical failure
Why You Must Know the Difference
When someone collapses, every second counts.
Misunderstanding the difference can cost lives.
Here’s what you must do:
Heart Attack = Call emergency services, stay calm
- Keep the person seated
- Loosen clothing
- Give aspirin (if advised)
- Monitor their condition
Cardiac Arrest = Call emergency + Start CPR
- Start chest compressions immediately
- Use an AED (automated defibrillator) if available
- Don’t wait. Every minute = 10% drop in survival chance
The Real Tragedy? Awareness Comes Too Late
Most people don’t know the difference until they lose someone.
Until the diagnosis changes mid-sentence.
Until they hear “We tried everything, but…”
But we can change that.
By knowing the signs.
By reacting fast.
By understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest—before it becomes your story.
Quick Recap
| Feature | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Blocked blood flow to the heart | Sudden stop of heart function |
| Conscious? | Usually, yes | No |
| Breathing? | Often normal/shallow | No breathing |
| Heart beat? | Still beating | Stops completely |
| Emergency action | Call ambulance, aspirin | Call ambulance, start CPR, AED |
| Can it cause death? | Yes, if untreated | Yes, within minutes without CPR |
