By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon and Paras Hospitals East.

The heart plays an important role in the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. However, serious heart diseases such as heart attacks, cardiac arrest and heart failure can have a major impact on its function. Lack of consciousness and delayed treatment are one of the main causes of heart-related deaths.
Early detection of symptoms of these diseases can lead to life-saving medical interventions. This article examines the differences between heart attacks, cardiac arrest and heart failure. If the cause, symptoms, and if you need to seek emergency medical care.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked or significantly reduced, leading to damage of the heart muscle. This happens due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Without prompt treatment, the affected heart tissue begins to deteriorate, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Causes of a Heart Attack
The primary cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis occurs when substances such as cholesterol, fat, and calcium accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, forming plaque. Over time, this plaque hardens, reducing blood flow to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which may completely block the artery and trigger a heart attack.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can differ from person to person and may develop gradually over hours, days, or even weeks before the actual event. While the heart continues to beat, it does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to blocked coronary arteries.
Common Symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort – A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the middle of the chest.
- Radiating pain – Pain that spreads to the jaw, arms, back, or shoulders.
- Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing even while at rest.
- Extreme fatigue – Unusual tiredness, especially in the days or weeks before an attack.
- Fainting or dizziness – A feeling of light-headedness or loss of consciousness.
- Excessive sweating – Cold sweats or clammy skin.
- Indigestion issues – Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
- Anxiety or panic attacks – An unexplained sense of doom or fear.
- Bluish lips, hands, or feet – Due to lack of oxygen in the blood.
Many people experience mild symptoms, such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, or fatigue, days or weeks before a heart attack.
What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack?
- Seek Emergency Help Immediately
- Call an ambulance or rush the patient to the nearest hospital. Quick medical attention is crucial.
- Take Aspirin (if not allergic)
- If the patient is conscious, they can take a normal dose of aspirin to help slow blood clot formation and reduce blockages.
- The aspirin should be chewed before swallowing with water for faster absorption.
- Perform CPR if Necessary
- If the patient loses consciousness and stops breathing, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) until medical help arrives.
- If untrained, perform only chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
- Hospital Treatment
- Once at the hospital, doctors will assess the situation and provide life-saving medical treatment to restore blood flow to the heart.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and other organs ceases, leading to unconsciousness and the inability to breathe. Without immediate medical intervention, cardiac arrest can result in death within minutes.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is primarily caused by abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, which result from electrical disturbances in the heart. While it can occur unexpectedly in healthy individuals, certain pre-existing heart conditions increase the risk.
Common Causes:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood supply to the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy – Thickened or enlarged heart muscles weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood.
- Valvular Heart Disease – Damage to one of the four heart valves disrupts blood flow.
- Congenital Heart Defects – Structural heart abnormalities present from birth.
- Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle due to infections.
Since cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, early recognition and immediate response are crucial for survival.Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and other organs ceases, leading to unconsciousness and the inability to breathe. Without immediate medical intervention, cardiac arrest can result in death within minutes.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly, without warning. A person experiencing cardiac arrest may:
- Collapse unexpectedly
- Become unresponsive and unconscious
- Stop breathing
However, research suggests that some patients may experience warning signs for days or even weeks before a cardiac arrest. These symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Heart palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Back pain
Recognizing these early signs can help prevent cardiac arrest with timely medical intervention.
What to Do in Case of Cardiac Arrest
Since the heart stops beating during cardiac arrest, the brain and other vital organs lose oxygen, which can lead to death or permanent brain damage within minutes. Immediate action can save a life.
Steps to Take:
- Call emergency medical services immediately.
- Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – If the person is unresponsive, start CPR with chest compressions (100–120 per minute) to maintain blood flow until medical help arrive.
- Use a Defibrillator (AED) – If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone knows how to use it, apply it as soon as possible to restore normal heart rhythm.
Timely intervention is crucial—every second counts in saving a life during cardiac arrest.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the body’s cells. This results in fatigue, weakness, and other complications. Unlike a heart attack or cardiac arrest, heart failure develops gradually over time, often as a result of underlying heart conditions.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure symptoms can vary but commonly include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity or while lying down)
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Difficulty in performing physical activities
Early detection of these symptoms can help manage the condition effectively.
Causes of Heart Failure
Heart failure usually develops due to conditions that weaken or damage the heart muscle. The most common causes include:
- Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the heart)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure that strains the heart over time)
- Heart valve disorders (leading to improper blood flow regulation)
Other contributing factors may include diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
What to Do in Case of Heart Failure
Unlike a heart attack or cardiac arrest, heart failure is not an immediate medical emergency but requires long-term management. Timely treatment, lifestyle modifications, and prescribed medications can help slow its progression and improve quality of life.
Key Management Steps:
- Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Take prescribed medications to manage symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen.
Conclusion
Though heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure differ in severity and symptoms, they often present early warning signs. Recognizing these signs and seeking timely medical intervention can prevent severe complications. Regular heart screenings and a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential for maintaining long-term cardiovascular health.
If you have concerns about your heart health, consult a cardiologist for expert guidance and preventive care.