Heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are often considered the same, even though they are different. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked so that the heart tissue lacks oxygen. Symptoms can include pain or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or pain that spreads to other parts of the body. People who have had a heart attack usually still have a heartbeat and consciousness, even though the condition can be very serious.
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, usually due to electrical problems in the heart. The person may suddenly become unconscious and not breathe normally. This is an emergency that requires immediate help, including contacting emergency services, performing CPR if capable, and using an AED if available. A heart attack can indeed cause cardiac arrest, but the two are not terms for the same condition.
