Medical emergencies related to the heart can strike without warning — and every second counts.
According to experts, the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest could mean the difference between life and death. Yet, these two terms are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion during crucial moments when immediate action is needed. A Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon, health educator, and NutriByte Wellness co-founder Dr Manan Vora recently took to Instagram to simplify this potentially life-saving distinction. In his latest post, Dr Vora used an easy-to-understand analogy involving a house and its electrical system to explain how these two heart emergencies differ — and how one should respond in each situation.
The post elaborated the difference through a simple comparison:
“To understand the difference, imagine your heart as a house. The blood flowing through it is like the plumbing system — with pipes and taps connecting everything. When there’s a blockage in the pipe, the water can’t reach certain areas. That’s like a heart attack. But if there’s a sudden electrical failure and everything stops working, that’s cardiac arrest.”
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked — often due to a buildup of fatty deposits or clots in the coronary arteries. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching heart tissue, which can lead to damage or death of that portion of the muscle.
A heart attack is like a blocked pipe. The blood cannot reach certain parts of the heart because of a blockage in the blood vessels. The person usually experiences chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness — but remains conscious and breathing. While a heart attack is a medical emergency, the heart is still beating, which means there is a window of opportunity to seek treatment before it stops altogether.
Typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (often described as pressure or squeezing)
- Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweats and light-headedness
Experts stress that anyone experiencing these symptoms should call emergency services immediately, avoid self-driving to the hospital, and rest until help arrives.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
A cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is a sudden and complete stoppage of the heart’s function due to an electrical malfunction. The heart’s normal rhythm becomes chaotic, and it fails to pump blood to the brain and other vital organs.
It can be compared to a sudden electrical failure in the house. In a cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. The blood stops circulating, and within seconds, the person collapses and stops breathing. This is when you need to act immediately — with CPR or a defibrillator — because every second matters. Without immediate intervention, a person in cardiac arrest can die within minutes. This condition is responsible for thousands of sudden deaths every year, often occurring without warning, even in individuals with no prior heart disease.
Heart Attack Can Lead to Cardiac Arrest
While the two conditions are different, they can be linked. A severe heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest if the damaged area of the heart disrupts its electrical signals. That’s why early recognition and quick medical attention during a heart attack are critical to prevent a complete collapse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, claiming around 18 million lives each year. Many of these deaths are preventable with timely intervention and awareness of early warning signs.
What To Do in a Heart Emergency
Dr Vora stresses that the immediate response during a heart emergency can save lives.
- If the person is conscious and complaining of chest pain:
Call for medical help right away. Have them sit or lie down comfortably, loosen tight clothing, and encourage slow, steady breathing. If they have prescribed nitroglycerin, help them take it as directed. - If the person suddenly collapses and is not breathing: This is cardiac arrest.
- Call emergency services immediately.
- Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) — push hard and fast in the center of the chest, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- If a defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
Both conditions share common risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and stress. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and routine checkups — remains the most effective way to prevent cardiac emergencies.
Dr Vora’s message serves as a timely reminder that understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest isn’t just medical knowledge — it’s life-saving awareness. The right knowledge, presence of mind, and prompt action can mean the difference between losing a life and saving one.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Do consult your doctor/health expert for further information.
