Sudden cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. The condition usually results from a problem with your heart's electrical system, which disrupts your heart's pumping action and stops blood flow to your body. Show Sudden cardiac arrest isn't the same as a heart attack, when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest. If not treated immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death. Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using a defibrillator — or even just giving compressions to the chest — can improve the chances of survival until emergency workers arrive. SymptomsSigns of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and drastic and include:
Sometimes other signs and symptoms occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include:
But sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with no warning. When to see a doctorCall 911 or emergency medical help if you experience any of these signs and symptoms:
When the heart stops, the lack of oxygen-rich blood can cause death or permanent brain damage within minutes. Time is critical when you're helping an unconscious person who isn't breathing. If you see someone who's unconscious and not breathing normally, do the following:
Portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in many places, including airports, casinos and shopping malls. You can also purchase one for your home. AEDs come with built-in instructions for their use. They're programmed to allow a shock only when appropriate. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. When it comes to heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest, there can be a general misunderstanding that they are similar, if not the same, conditions. However, both are medical emergencies related to heart health, understanding the difference between them is incredibly important. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted, typically by a blood clot, whereas a sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes it to stop beating entirely. Action PlanIf you think you are witnessing someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack, call 9-1-1, immediately. Acting quickly could be the difference between life and death and can greatly improve survival rates and limit damage.
What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that is a result of a sudden, unexpected loss of electrical heart function, breathing, and consciousness. Unlike a heart attack, where the heart may continue to beat and only the blood supply to the heart is compromised, sudden cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop beating entirely. Because a sudden cardiac arrest results in an abrupt, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness, blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs cease instantly. If not responded to immediately, structural brain damage, or even death, can result in a matter of minutes. One of the leading causes of death among American adults is sudden cardiac arrest, including about 365,000 incidents per year, 95 percent of which are fatal. Warning SignsAlthough sudden cardiac arrests are typically both immediate and unexpected, studies of sudden cardiac arrest survivors have identified several common warning signs:
As for what causes a sudden cardiac arrest, most incidents are usually the result of, or preceded by, pre-existing heart conditions such as:
Each of these conditions has the potential to create abnormalities within the heart’s rhythm, referred to as arrhythmia, which is usually the immediate cause of a sudden cardiac arrest. At the first sign of a sudden cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1. Acting quickly could be the difference between life and death. Lifestyle ChangesSurviving a sudden cardiac arrest is the first step in your journey towards recovery. Although many survivors experience physical, mental and emotional changes after the event, none are permanent obstacles that cannot be overcome.Lifestyle changes after a sudden cardiac arrest could include:
Activity After a Sudden Cardiac ArrestSome survivors even experience short-term memory loss that typically lasts from one to six weeks. If memory loss lasts longer, be sure to speak with your medical team. What is a Heart Attack?A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood, is blocked. A blockage usually occurs when plaque inside the artery breaks open and a blood clot forms in the artery. If the blockage is not treated quickly, the portion of the heart muscle that is fed by the blocked artery may begin to die. Every year, about 790,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack, 210,000 of which are individuals who have already had a heart attack before. When emergency care is provided in 90 minutes or less, the mortality rate for a heart attack is less than five percent. In most cases, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the main cause of a heart attack. Warning SignsGet to the hospital quickly. The longer it takes to be treated, the more your heart may be damaged. In Both Men and Women:
Symptoms More Likely in Women:
At the first sign of a heart attack, call 9-1-1. Acting quickly could be the difference between life and death. Lifestyle ChangesThe vast majority of heart attacks are caused by known risk factors, many of which can be reduced or controlled. Adopting lifestyle changes can lower your risk factors and lessen the chance of having another heart attack, as long as you are setting SMART goals:
Some examples of lifestyle changes after a heart attack could include:
Activity After a Heart AttackIncrease your activities slowly. You should take short rest breaks when you get tired. Ask your doctor when you can drive, go back to work, and do other daily activities again. Is cardiac arrest also heart attack?People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're not the same. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating.
Which is better heart attack or cardiac arrest?In summary, there is a difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart stops and thus causes a section of the heart muscle to begin to die; whereas a cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating as a whole.
Is heart stroke and cardiac arrest same?A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
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