Most people assume that a heart attack and cardiac arrest are two names for the same thing. It’s a common misconception, but a heart attack and cardiac arrest are two entirely different conditions. Knowing the difference is important, and knowing how to properly react to both of them is essential. Â
So, What’s The Difference?
A heart attack is when the heart is suddenly deprived of oxygen, usually due to a blockage of plaque in the coronary arteries. Cardiac arrest is when the heart’s electrical system suddenly malfunctions. In other words, the heart unexpectedly stops working properly.  Â
Heart Attack Symptoms & Signs
Heart attacks are generally caused by heart disease such as coronary heart disease or arrhythmia. They can either happen gradually or suddenly. Before experiencing a heart attack, a person may show warning signs. According to the American Heart Association, these signs can include:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, or general discomfort, lasting for a few minutes. The pain can come and go, fading in and out
- Discomfort in parts of the upper body, including in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Women can experience warning signs of a heart attack with or without chest pains. Because many women do not know this, they often assume signs of a heart attack are caused by another non-threatening issue. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S, so it is important to know the warning signs women can experience. These include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Upper back pressure Â
- Extreme fatigue
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain
- Discomfort from activity
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Palpitations, or the feeling of the heart beating rapidly
If you or someone near you starts to experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately and seek medical attention.
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
Cardiac arrest can occur without prior warning. According to the American Heart Association, signs of cardiac arrest are:
- Sudden loss of responsiveness
- No response to tapping on shoulders
- Does nothing when you ask if he/she is OK
People can experience cardiac arrest with or without a heart disease. They happen suddenly, and can be lethal if not treated as soon as possible. Â Â
If this happens to someone near you, it is extremely important that you:
- Call for help (9-1-1, an emergency response number, etc.)
- Check if the person is breathing
- Perform hands-only CPR if the person is not breathing or is only gasping. (Check out how to give hands-only CPR here)
- Keep performing hands-only CPR until the person begins to breath or until the paramedics or someone with advanced training takes over
To learn more about heart attacks and cardiac arrest, visit Heart.org . Here for heart attacks and here for cardiac arrest.