The Difference Between a Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attacks are NOT the same. Both disorders stem from problems with the heart but are different, each with distinct risk factors, treatment options and outcomes.

• A heart attack is caused by a circulation or plumbing problem in the heart.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs more frequently in people who have heart failure and/or have had a heart attack – hearts that are damaged and may pump poorly. Damage to the heart muscle can lead to disturbances of the heart's electrical system. And a malfunction of the heart's electrical system may cause dangerously fast heart rhythms that can lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.