Eli5: what is the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

Question

Eli5: what is the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

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Answer 1

Fyi, I’m not an MD, this is just a screen name.

A heart attack is when your heart malfunctions in pumping blood and isn’t able to do what it needs to, usually caused by a blockage. It can lead to cardiac arrest if the heart completely stops. Cardiac arrest is when your heart stops beating.