Sudden Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

What's the difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are very different. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an electrical issue that prevents the heart from beating normally, while a Heart Attack is more of a plumbing problem that limits blood flow.

Are the signs & symptoms the same?

No, the signs and symptoms are very different.

Someone suffering from SCA:

Will NOT be awake
Will NOT be breathing
Will have NO heartbeat
Will appear lifeless
May take occassional gasps, known as agonal breathing. Don't be fooled, this is NOT normal breathing.

Someone suffering a Heart Attack:

IS usually awake
Their heart IS beating

In addition, somone suffering a heart attack MAY experience:

Pain, pressure, squeezing or discomfort in the center of the chest
Pain that is intermittent or continuous
Signs and symptoms that begin suddenly or last for days
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, radiating to the shoulder, back, neck or jaw
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Nausea, sweating, lightheadedness (they will be cold, pale, and clammy to the touch)
NO signs or symptoms at all

Is the Treatment for SCA & Heart Attack the same?

The treatment for SCA and Heart Attack are very different

Someone who is suffering from SCA requires immediate CPR & difibrillation using an AED. This is why bystander CPR & Community AEDs are so important.

If someone is experiencing a Heart Attack, call 911 immediately and keep them calm and still. Do NOT delay. Interrupted blood flow to the heart results in tissue death to the heart.

A Heart Attack can lead to SCA. Be prepared to perform CPR & apply an AED if the person becomes unconscious.