What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiovascular Conditions ANSWERS by heart Is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest? No. [...] While a heart attack may cause cardiac arrest, the two aren’t the same. [...] A heart attack is caused by a circulation problem. [...] Heart attacks are caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart. [...] Cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart. [...] The heart stops beating properly, and the heart’s pumping function is “arrested,” or stopped. [...] It’s caused by an electrical problem in the heart that causes an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia). [...] With its pumping action disrupted, the heart can’t pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person becomes unresponsive, isn’t breathing or is only gasping. [...] Once the person is resuscitated, an ambulance will take them to the hospital. [...] The test results can help the health care team decide on a treatment plan to reduce the person’s risk of long-term problems and death.