Infographic: What is the link between cardiac arrest and heart attack. During a heart attack the blood vessels supplying the heart are blocked or narrowed, blood supply to a large portion of the heart is cut off, and a dangerous heart rhythm develops or the heart ceases to function, which can cause a cardiac arrest. The link between cardiac arrest and heart attack Let’s discuss the link between cardiac arrest and heart attack.

The terms ‘Heart attack’ and ‘Cardiac arrest’ are often used interchangeably. However, medically speaking, these two imply completely different heart conditions. A heart attack occurs when the circulation of blood to the heart is blocked. A cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to beat chaotically — or to stop beating altogether.

A person who has had a heart attack is prone to have a cardiac arrest. During a heart attack, the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart are blocked. Thus, blood supply to a portion of the heart is cut off, which develops a dangerous heart rhythm, which leads to cardiac arrest – ie, the heart stops beating.

A heart attack does not always lead to a cardiac arrest, and not all cardiac arrests happen due to heart attacks!

Difference between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

This page is written for general understanding and is not medical advice. It cannot take account of your own history, and a consultation is needed before any diagnosis or treatment. Written by Dr. Mahadevan R, MBBS, MS, MCh (CVTS), Chief Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Magnum Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

What is the link between cardiac arrest and heart attack?