When it comes to heart-related emergencies, two terms often cause confusion — heart attack and cardiac arrest. Many people use them interchangeably, but they are very different conditions with distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Understanding these differences can save a life — whether it’s your own or someone else’s. As an interventional cardiologist in Mohali, I’ve seen cases where timely recognition made all the difference in survival and recovery.
Let’s break down what these terms mean, how they differ, and what warning signs to look out for.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (medically known as myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a buildup of plaque — a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances — inside the coronary arteries.
When the blood flow stops, that part of the heart muscle starts to die. The longer the blockage lasts, the more damage occurs.
Common Causes:
- Coronary artery disease (most common)
- Severe spasm of a coronary artery
- Blood clot formation in narrowed arteries
Key Point: In a heart attack, the heart usually keeps beating but is under severe strain.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
A cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. It happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. Without a pumping action, blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other organs stops almost immediately.
The most common cause is ventricular fibrillation — a chaotic, irregular heartbeat.
Common Causes:
- Heart attack (can trigger cardiac arrest)
- Severe arrhythmias
- Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
- Drug overdose or severe electrolyte imbalance
- Sudden impact to the chest (commotio cordis)
Key Point: In a cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood — without immediate treatment, death can occur within minutes.
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest — The Main Differences
| Feature | Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Blockage in blood flow to heart muscle | Electrical malfunction in heart |
| Heart Function | Still beating, but damaged | Stops beating effectively |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, breathlessness, sweating | Sudden collapse, no pulse, unconsciousness |
| Urgency | Medical emergency — needs rapid treatment | Immediate life-threatening emergency — needs CPR/defibrillation |
| Treatment | Medications, angioplasty, stenting | CPR, AED (defibrillator), advanced life support |
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms often develop gradually but can still be life-threatening. Watch for:
- Chest discomfort or pain (pressure, squeezing, or fullness)
- Pain spreading to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arms
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
Note for Mohali residents: Women and people with diabetes may have silent heart attacks with less obvious symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or back pain.
Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest usually occurs suddenly without much warning. Signs include:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse or heartbeat
- No breathing or abnormal gasping
- Loss of consciousness
Sometimes, people may have warning signs in the minutes or hours before cardiac arrest, such as palpitations, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Can a Heart Attack Cause Cardiac Arrest?
Yes — a severe heart attack can trigger dangerous arrhythmias that lead to cardiac arrest. In fact, heart attacks are one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac arrest in adults.
This is why immediate emergency medical care is crucial in both situations.
What to Do in a Heart Attack Emergency
If someone in Mohali is showing signs of a heart attack:
- Call emergency services immediately (Dial 108 in India or local ambulance numbers).
- Keep the patient calm and seated to reduce strain on the heart.
- Give aspirin (if available and no allergy is known) — it helps prevent further clotting.
- Monitor breathing and consciousness until help arrives.
What to Do in a Cardiac Arrest Emergency
Cardiac arrest is a time-critical emergency. For every minute without CPR, survival chances drop by 7–10%.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Start CPR — push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100–120 compressions per minute).
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. Follow its voice prompts.
- Continue CPR until medical professionals arrive.
Treatment for Heart Attack in Mohali
At facilities like Fortis Hospital, Mohali, heart attacks are treated with:
- Primary Angioplasty (PTCA) — using a balloon and stent to open the blocked artery
- Thrombolytic therapy — clot-busting drugs
- Medications to control pain, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks
Treatment for Cardiac Arrest in Mohali
Immediate resuscitation is critical:
- Defibrillation to restore normal heart rhythm
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) by trained professionals
- Post-resuscitation care in an ICU, which may include cooling therapy, cardiac monitoring, and treatment of underlying causes
How to Reduce Your Risk
For Heart Attacks:
- Eat a balanced, low-fat diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Exercise regularly
For Cardiac Arrest:
- Treat and monitor heart disease
- Manage arrhythmias with medications or pacemakers/ICDs
- Avoid drug abuse and excessive alcohol
- Get regular heart check-ups if you have risk factors
Final Thoughts
While heart attack and cardiac arrest are very different conditions, both are serious medical emergencies where quick action can save lives. The key is recognizing the symptoms early and getting help immediately.
As a cardiologist in Sector 69, Mohali, I strongly encourage regular heart health screenings, especially if you have risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. Prevention, awareness, and timely intervention remain our best tools in the fight against heart-related emergencies.
📍 Clinic Location: Sector 69, Mohali
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 79866 15825
🌐 Website: drhoneysharma.com