When it comes to matters of the heart, recognising the difference between a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain can be the difference between life and death. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to very different medical conditions, each with unique causes, symptoms, and urgencies. Imagine a loved one suddenly clutching their chest or collapsing without warning. Would you know what’s happening or how to respond?A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, while cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, often without warning. Chest pain, on the other hand, can range from harmless to life-threatening. Understanding these conditions isn’t just medical knowledge—it’s about being prepared to save a life. In a world where minutes matter, this clarity empowers you to act quickly and seek the right help when every second counts. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 18 million deaths per year. In India alone, heart-related ailments are responsible for over 28% of total deaths, per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
What is the difference between heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack occurs when a blockage (usually a blood clot) cuts off the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle. Without oxygen, the affected tissue begins to die. The heart usually continues to beat but functions abnormally.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function due to an electrical malfunction in the heart. The heart stops beating entirely, which halts blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It leads to death within minutes if not treated immediately.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a symptom, not a disease. It can arise from many different causes—some benign, others life-threatening. While heart attacks and angina are common cardiac causes, other causes include acid reflux, lung infections, muscle strain, or panic attacks.
Heart attack, Cardiac arrest and Chest pain: Symptoms
Heart attack
As per the Mayo Clinic, common signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness
- Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, arms (usually the left)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or sudden fatigue, particularly in women
Note: Heart attacks can begin gradually, with symptoms developing over hours or days, or occur suddenly.
Cardiac arrest
According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Sudden collapse and unresponsiveness
- No pulse or breathing
- Possible preceding symptoms: chest discomfort, palpitations, fainting, or dizziness
Cardiac arrest is fatal within minutes unless CPR or defibrillation is started immediately.
Chest pain
Chest pain varies widely depending on its cause. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Cleveland Clinic, typical features include:
- Cardiac origin: Pressure or heaviness during activity or stress (angina); may radiate to other areas
- Gastrointestinal origin: Burning pain after eating, especially when lying down (GERD)
- Musculoskeletal origin: Sharp pain that worsens with movement or touch
- Pulmonary origin: Pain with breathing or coughing (e.g., pneumonia, pleuritis)
- Psychological origin: Tightness during panic attacks or high anxiety
Why the symptoms of heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain are often confused
The confusion between heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain arises because they share overlapping warning signs—particularly chest discomfort, breathlessness, and sudden collapse. However, the origin, severity, and progression of symptoms differ significantly. Despite being medically distinct, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain frequently get confused—both by the general public and even first responders—because they can share similar initial symptoms. All three may present with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or collapse. The urgency and severity often mask the subtle differences in cause and mechanism.
- A person suffering from a severe panic attack may experience chest tightness, palpitations, and sweating—symptoms also seen in a heart attack.
- A cardiac arrest may be triggered by a heart attack, further blurring the lines.
- Non-cardiac chest pain from acid reflux can mimic angina, leading to unnecessary panic or, worse, dismissing a real cardiac event as indigestion.
- In emergency settings, this overlap makes it crucial to act swiftly and seek immediate medical evaluation rather than attempting self-diagnosis.
Heart attack vs Cardiac arrest vs Chest pain: Shared symptoms
| Symptom |
Heart attack |
Cardiac arrest |
Chest pain (Various Causes) |
| Chest discomfort | Yes | Sometimes (may precede arrest) | Yes |
| Shortness of breath | Yes | Yes (if conscious beforehand) | Yes |
| Nausea or vomiting | Yes | Rare | Sometimes (GERD, anxiety) |
| Dizziness or fainting | Sometimes | Yes | Sometimes |
| Sudden collapse | Rare | Always | Rare |
| Cold sweat | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes (anxiety) |
| Radiating pain (arm/jaw) | Yes | No | Rare (mostly cardiac causes) |
Heart attack vs Cardiac arrest vs Chest pain: When to seek help
While some chest pain may stem from minor issues like indigestion or muscle strain, others demand urgent intervention. Knowing when to seek help is critical—especially because heart attack and cardiac arrest can escalate within minutes.
- You should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone around your experiences:
- Persistent or intense chest discomfort (especially pressure, squeezing, or fullness)
- Pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath—even at rest or with mild exertion
- Sudden dizziness, fainting, or confusion
- Cold sweats, nausea, or unexplained fatigue
- A sudden collapse with no pulse or breathing (call emergency services and begin CPR immediately)
Even if symptoms are mild or unclear, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Delayed treatment in cardiac conditions can lead to irreversible damage—or loss of life. Don’t self-diagnose or wait to “see if it passes.” Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Common prevention tips for heart attack, cardiac arrest, and chest pain
Although heart attack, cardiac arrest, and severe chest pain differ in their medical causes, they often share common risk factors such as poor lifestyle habits, chronic conditions, and stress. Addressing these factors proactively can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing any of these serious cardiovascular events.Below are evidence-based prevention strategies recommended by leading health organizations.Adopt a heart-healthy diet
- Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in heart health and vascular function.
- Focus on whole foods: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.
- Limit harmful intake: Reduce consumption of red meats, trans fats, sodium, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods.
- Prefer healthy fats: Use sources like olive oil, nuts, and seeds instead of saturated or hydrogenated oils.
Engage in regular physical activity
- Regular movement strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps maintain healthy weight, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) per week.
- Include muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days weekly.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Tobacco and excessive alcohol use are major contributors to cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac events.
- Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply, and raises the risk of arrhythmias and plaque buildup.
- Alcohol should be limited to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men, if consumed at all.
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Controlling chronic conditions significantly reduces the strain on your heart and arteries.
- Keep blood pressure ideally below 120/80 mmHg.
- Maintain low LDL (bad) cholesterol and high HDL (good) cholesterol.
- For people with diabetes, stable blood sugar is critical to preventing vascular damage.
Prioritise stress management and quality sleep
- Mental health and rest are integral to cardiovascular stability.
- Chronic stress increases cortisol and blood pressure, which contributes to arterial inflammation.
- Sleep deprivation raises the risk of hypertension, obesity, and irregular heart rhythms.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation.
- Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep per night.
Recognise and monitor warning signs
- Early detection can prevent complications and improve outcomes in high-risk individuals.
- Learn both classic and atypical symptoms of heart attacks, especially as they differ in women.
- Monitor for signs like palpitations, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, fainting, or chest discomfort.
- Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms are persistent or unusual.
Get trained in CPR and AED use
In the event of a cardiac arrest, bystander intervention is often the deciding factor in survival.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives.
- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are user-friendly devices available in many public places such as airports, malls, offices, and schools.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone else experiences symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden unresponsiveness, seek emergency medical care immediately. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.Also Read | What causes “old people smell”? Know the science behind it and how to prevent with a single superfood
