Care Volunteer Training

Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrests

What is a cardiac arrest and how is it different to a heart attack?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not synonyms.

A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked , and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly.

A heart attack is a “ circulation ” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “ electrical ” problem.

These two distinct heart conditions are linked. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack, or during recovery. Heart attacks increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest and are a common cause of them.

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