Know the Signs, Save a Life: Heart Attack vs. Sudden Cardiac Arrest – What’s the Difference?

 A heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are both serious heart problems, but they are not the same thing.

• A heart attack happens w
  
  hen blood flow to the heart is blocked. The person is usually awake and may feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in other areas like the arms, back, or jaw. It’s a medical emergency, but the heart usually keeps beating.

• Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. The person collapses, becomes unconscious, and stops breathing normally. This is very serious and can lead to death within minutes if not treated immediately with CPR and a defibrillator.

Key difference:
A heart attack is a "circulation problem" — blocked blood flow.
Cardiac arrest is an "electrical problem" — the heart stops working properly.

Knowing the signs of both can help save someone’s life. Always call emergency services right away if you see someone having symptoms.