 What's the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest? Even though both cardiac arrest and heart attack are life-threatening events, they shouldn't be used interchangeably. The former is an electrical problem that causes the heart to stop beating, whereas the latter is a circulation problem that blocks the blood flow to the heart. Sudden cardiac arrest, SCA, is triggered due to arrhythmia, which are disturbances in the heart's rhythm. On the other hand, a heart attack occurs when arteries are clogged by fatty deposits. In many cases, a heart attack can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest. However, a cardiac arrest does not cause a heart attack. Call emergency services immediately in either case, but a CPR is imperative for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The heart attack symptoms, on the other hand, include shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and sweating. Prevention of diabetes, intake of a heart-healthy diet, management of blood pressure and active lifestyle can help prevent heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests. If you experience arrhythmia, consult your doctor for treatment options such as ablation, defibrillation and others.