When someone suddenly collapses, clutches their chest, or slurs their speech, it’s easy to panic—and even easier to confuse what’s really happening. Many people use the terms heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke interchangeably, but they’re actually very different medical emergencies. Understanding the differences could help save a life—maybe even your own.
Here’s a breakdown of what each condition really means, how they happen, and what to do in each case.
💔 Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack occurs when there’s a blockage in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This blockage, often caused by a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits), restricts oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle. Although the heart is still beating, part of it is being starved of oxygen and begins to die if not treated quickly.
Causes:
- Blood clot due to plaque buildup in coronary arteries.
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and stress are common risk factors.
Symptoms:
- Chest pain or tightness (can spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back)
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweat
- Lightheadedness or sudden fatigue
Consciousness: The person is usually conscious, though they may be in severe distress.
What to do: A heart attack is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately. If the person becomes unconscious and stops breathing, it may have progressed into cardiac arrest—then CPR is needed.
⚡ Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is far more sudden and dramatic. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively due to a problem with its electrical system. This means blood is no longer being pumped to the brain and other vital organs.
Causes:
- Heart attack
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Congenital heart disease
- Trauma or electrocution
Symptoms:
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Unresponsive
Consciousness: The person is completely unconscious and will collapse instantly.
What to do: This is a life-threatening emergency. Call emergency services immediately. Start CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available. Every minute without CPR reduces the chances of survival dramatically.
🧠 Stroke (Brain Attack)
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, either due to a clot (ischemic stroke, the most common) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Causes:
- Blood clot blocking a brain artery
- Burst blood vessel in the brain
- High blood pressure, smoking, and atrial fibrillation are common risk factors
Symptoms (Think FAST):
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm weakness or numbness
- Speech difficulty (slurred or strange speech)
- Time to call emergency services immediately
Other signs might include vision problems, sudden confusion, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
Consciousness: The person is often conscious, though they may be confused, disoriented, or unable to move or speak properly.
What to do: Call emergency services right away. Quick medical attention can reduce long-term damage and even save a life.
Summary Table
| Condition | Problem Area | Blood Flow Affected | Conscious? | Immediate Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Attack | Heart muscle | Yes (blocked artery) | Usually yes | Call emergency services |
| Cardiac Arrest | Heart (electrical) | Yes (stops completely) | No | Call 911, CPR, use AED |
| Stroke | Brain | Yes (blocked or burst) | Often yes | Call emergency services |
Final Thoughts
While all three conditions are serious, cardiac arrest is the most immediately life-threatening—you have only minutes to act. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated quickly. A stroke affects the brain, and every second without treatment can result in more brain damage.
Knowing the difference doesn’t just make you more informed—it makes you more prepared to help someone in a real emergency. Whether it’s recognizing the symptoms or knowing when to perform CPR, your actions could mean the difference between life and death.