CARDIAC ARREST vs HEART ATTACK vs STROKE – What's the Difference (And Why It Matters)
These three terms are often used interchangeably — but they’re very different medical emergencies. Understanding the difference between cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke can help you save a life, maybe even your own.
We often hear someone say, “He had a heart attack.”
Or “It was a sudden cardiac arrest.”
Or “She suffered a stroke.”
But did you know these are not the same thing?
While all three are life-threatening and involve the heart or brain, they occur for different reasons, have different symptoms — and most importantly — require different first responses.
Let’s simplify the difference between:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
💓 1. What Is a Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac Arrest = "The heart stops beating suddenly."
| 🔍 Cause | Sudden electrical malfunction in the heart |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ What Happens | Heart stops pumping blood → No pulse → Person collapses |
| ⏱️ Emergency | Immediate CPR + defibrillator needed within minutes |
| 🧠 Risk | Brain damage starts within 4–6 minutes without blood flow |
It is a sudden collapse. There’s no warning in many cases.
🆘 Think: Power off — body shuts down in seconds.
❤️ 2. What Is a Heart Attack?
Heart Attack = Blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
| 🔍 Cause | Blocked coronary artery (usually due to cholesterol plaque) |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ What Happens | Part of the heart muscle gets damaged or dies |
| 😖 Symptoms | Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat |
| 🏥 Emergency | Person is usually conscious — needs immediate medical care |
It builds up over time, but can turn fatal if ignored.
🆘 Think: Plumbing issue — heart is still beating, but starved of fuel.
🧠 3. What Is a Stroke?
Stroke = Blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain.
| 🔍 Cause | Either clot (ischemic) or bleed (hemorrhagic) in brain |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ What Happens | Brain tissue starts dying due to lack of oxygen |
| 😵 Symptoms | Sudden weakness (especially one side), slurred speech, confusion, vision loss |
| ⏱️ Emergency | Needs urgent hospital care — every minute = more brain damage |
🆘 Think: Brain crisis — not a heart issue, but equally deadly.
📋 Quick Comparison Table
| Condition | What Fails | Key Symptom | Conscious? | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Arrest | Heart stops | Collapse, no pulse | ❌ Unconscious | CPR now |
| Heart Attack | Blood blocked to heart | Chest pain, sweating | ✅ Often yes | ER needed |
| Stroke | Brain blood issue | Speech/movement issues | ✅ Often yes | ER needed |
🧠 How to Remember It
Cardiac Arrest = Electrical failure (heart stops suddenly)
Heart Attack = Plumbing problem (blocked blood flow)
Stroke = Brain blockage or bleed (oxygen loss in brain)
🛡️ Prevention Tips for All Three
| Tip | Works Against |
|---|---|
| Eat low-salt, low-cholesterol diet | Heart attack, stroke |
| Exercise 30 mins/day | All 3 |
| Quit smoking & alcohol | All 3 |
| Regular BP & sugar checks | Stroke, heart attack |
| Manage stress & sleep | Heart health + brain |
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational awareness only. Always consult a doctor or certified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. In case of emergency, call your country’s medical helpline immediately.