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In recognition of World Heart Day, observed every September 29, take a closer look at the differences between a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure. All three involve the heart, but they have different causes, symptoms, levels of urgency, and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences can help you recognize warning signs, know when to seek medical attention, and become more aware of heart health.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked or significantly reduced. The most common underlying cause is coronary artery disease, which involves plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. When plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block the artery, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen. Without prompt treatment, the affected heart muscle tissue can begin to suffer damage.
The scale of this health burden can be seen in global data. WHO reported that ischemic heart disease, which underlies many heart attacks, caused around 9 million deaths in 2021, representing about 13% of all deaths worldwide. WHO also reports that around 85% of cardiovascular disease deaths are due to heart attack and stroke.
In Indonesia, Ministry of Health data also shows the substantial burden of heart disease. Based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, the prevalence of doctor diagnosed heart disease reached 0.85%. A 2026 Ministry of Health document also recorded an average heart attack incidence among people with coronary heart disease of 222.3 per 100,000 population, which was estimated to approach 700,000 heart attacks per year when calculated against the Indonesian population.
It is important to understand that a heart attack does not necessarily mean the heart has stopped beating. During a heart attack, the heart usually continues to pump blood and the person may remain conscious. However, a heart attack can trigger dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and, in certain circumstances, develop into cardiac arrest.
Symptoms may include pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest. Discomfort may also spread to one or both arms, the shoulders, back, neck, or jaw. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats, and unusual fatigue. Symptoms do not always follow the same pattern in every person.
A heart attack can even occur without obvious symptoms. For perspective, CDC data from the United States estimates that around 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning heart damage has occurred but the person is not aware of it.
Because every minute matters for the heart muscle, symptoms that may indicate a heart attack should not be ignored until they become more severe. Seek medical attention immediately.
Unlike a heart attack, which primarily involves blood circulation, cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system of the heart malfunctions and the heart suddenly becomes unable to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs stops.
Within seconds, a person experiencing cardiac arrest usually loses consciousness and stops breathing normally or only gasps. This is why cardiac arrest is extremely critical and requires action within minutes, not hours.
American Heart Association data shows that survival after cardiac arrest outside a hospital remains low. Based on United States data from 2024, only around 10.5% of patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest who were treated by emergency medical services survived to hospital discharge.
However, the actions of people nearby can make a difference. The American Heart Association states that immediate CPR can increase the chance of survival by around two to three times. Cardiac arrest and heart attack can also be related. They are not the same condition, but a heart attack can be one trigger for cardiac arrest.
If someone is unresponsive and is not breathing normally, immediately contact emergency medical services at 119 in Indonesia and ask someone else to get an AED if one is available. Begin CPR according to your training or follow instructions from the emergency operator by phone. CPR and defibrillation with an AED performed as quickly as possible can help maintain blood flow and improve the chance of survival.
Cardiac arrest requires action within minutes. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious person, and do not leave the person alone to seek help if someone else can make the emergency call.
If someone suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, seek emergency medical help immediately. Call emergency medical services at 119 in Indonesia, begin CPR, and ask someone else to get an AED, or automated external defibrillator, if one is available.
An AED can analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock when necessary. The user does not need to decide independently whether a shock is required because the device performs this analysis.
The term heart failure is often misunderstood to mean that the heart has stopped working. In fact, the heart is still working. The problem is that its ability to pump blood or accommodate blood flow is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the body. As a result, the body may not receive enough oxygen rich blood and fluid can build up, including in the lungs, legs, and ankles. This is why people with heart failure may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
Unlike cardiac arrest, which occurs suddenly, heart failure is generally a chronic condition that develops over time and requires long term management. Its global burden is also substantial. According to the latest international consensus announced by the American Heart Association in June 2026, more than 64 million adults worldwide are estimated to be living with heart failure. Its prevalence continues to rise, partly as populations age and conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure become more common.
Heart failure is also not a single disease with a single cause. It can develop after the heart has been damaged or has worked too hard over a long period. Underlying causes and contributing factors can include coronary artery disease, a previous heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, abnormal heart rhythms, and diabetes.
Symptoms can develop gradually and may initially be mistaken for ordinary fatigue. They can include shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, fatigue, a persistent cough or wheezing, swelling of the feet and ankles, weight gain due to fluid buildup, and heart palpitations.
Heart failure can be managed through medical treatment, monitoring, and lifestyle changes according to the individual condition. Evaluation may include a physical examination, electrocardiogram or ECG, blood tests, a chest X ray, and an echocardiogram to assess the structure and function of the heart.
In simple terms, a heart attack is a problem with blood flow to the heart muscle, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that causes effective pumping to stop, and heart failure is a problem with the ability of the heart to pump enough blood. All three are serious, but their mechanisms, progression, and required responses are different.
Although all three conditions involve the heart, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure can present with different symptom patterns. The following overview can help explain the differences:
Condition |
Symptoms to Watch For |
Symptom Pattern |
|---|---|---|
Heart Attack |
Chest pain, pressure, fullness, or discomfort; pain that may spread to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen; shortness of breath; cold sweats; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and unusual fatigue |
May appear suddenly or develop gradually. Symptoms do not always involve severe chest pain and may be less obvious in some people |
Cardiac Arrest |
Sudden collapse or fall; loss of consciousness; no response when called or touched; abnormal breathing or gasping. Before collapsing, some people may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or dizziness |
Usually occurs suddenly and can cause loss of consciousness within a short time. This condition requires immediate assistance |
Heart Failure |
Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down; fatigue or weakness; swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs; a persistent cough or wheezing; weight gain due to fluid buildup; heart palpitations; and difficulty breathing while lying down |
Usually develops gradually or worsens over time, although heart failure can also worsen acutely |
Disclaimer: Symptoms of these three conditions can overlap and may differ from one person to another. This table provides general guidance only and cannot be used to make a diagnosis. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. Symptoms that may indicate a heart attack also require immediate medical attention. If someone is unconscious and is not breathing normally or is only gasping, contact emergency medical services immediately and perform CPR according to the instructions of an emergency operator or your previous training.
Heart related symptoms do not always appear in the same pattern. However, some signs require immediate attention because they may indicate a life threatening condition.
If symptoms may indicate a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately when there is unusual chest pain, pressure, squeezing, or discomfort, especially if it lasts for several minutes, goes away and returns, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, or discomfort that spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person and do not always involve severe chest pain.
If cardiac arrest is suspected, action must be taken immediately. Watch for a person who:
Suddenly falls or collapses
Loses consciousness
Does not respond when called or touched
Is not breathing normally
Is only gasping
If these signs occur, call emergency medical services at 119, begin CPR immediately, and use an AED if one is available by following the device instructions or guidance from an emergency operator. Cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop pumping blood effectively, so help within minutes is critical.
If symptoms may indicate heart failure, certain changes should also be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional, especially new or worsening shortness of breath, increasing swelling in the feet or ankles, rapid weight gain that may be caused by fluid buildup, worsening fatigue, or reduced ability to carry out daily activities. Severe shortness of breath that begins suddenly or symptoms that appear life threatening require emergency care.
Important: Do not try to determine on your own whether symptoms are caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, or another condition. If symptoms are severe or a person's condition deteriorates quickly, seek medical attention immediately.
Heart problems can be influenced by a combination of health conditions, daily habits, age, and genetic factors. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that someone will definitely develop heart disease. However, the more risk factors a person has, the more important it becomes to monitor and manage them with a healthcare professional.
Some factors to be aware of include:
High blood pressure. Hypertension causes the heart and blood vessels to work under greater pressure. It often causes no obvious symptoms, which makes regular blood pressure checks important.
High or unhealthy cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes. High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.
Smoking. Substances in cigarette smoke can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Physical inactivity. A lack of regular movement can be associated with other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Overweight and obesity. These conditions are associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, and heart disease.
An unhealthy diet. Excessive intake of foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and highly processed foods can affect cardiovascular risk factors.
Excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
Age. The risk of various forms of heart disease can increase with age.
Family history and genetic factors. A family history of heart disease can be one factor considered when assessing an individual's risk.
Some factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed. However, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, diet, and body weight are among the factors that can be monitored or managed.
Note: Risk factors for heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are not completely identical. The list above provides a general overview of factors associated with cardiovascular disease and is not a tool for determining individual risk.
Supporting heart health is not only about preventing one particular condition. Daily habits that help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body weight, and overall blood vessel health can play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol often do not cause obvious symptoms. Regular health checks are therefore important, especially for people with diabetes, excess body weight, a smoking habit, or a family history of heart disease.
Discuss test results with a healthcare professional to determine whether lifestyle changes, more frequent monitoring, or treatment may be needed.
Physical activity helps support heart health and can also help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight.
As a general guideline, adults are advised to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. This can include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or other activities appropriate for the individual's abilities.
If you have not exercised for a long time or have heart disease or another medical condition, consult a healthcare professional about the type and intensity of activity that is appropriate for you.
Prioritize a diet that includes more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein sources that suit your needs. At the same time, limit excessive intake of saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar, sodium, and highly processed foods.
You do not need to change your entire diet at once. Small but consistent changes can become part of healthier long term habits for your heart.
Smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of heart disease among people who do not smoke.
For people who smoke, quitting is one of the important steps that can reduce cardiovascular risk. Support from healthcare professionals or smoking cessation programs can help with the process.
Overweight and obesity can be associated with high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and diabetes, which are also risk factors for heart disease.
Rather than focusing only on the number on the scale, consider overall health through diet, physical activity, sleep, and management of medical conditions with a healthcare professional.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, an abnormal heart rhythm, or another condition, follow the treatment plan and checkup schedule recommended by your healthcare professional.
Do not stop or change medication without first consulting your doctor.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or newly developed swelling in the legs should not automatically be dismissed as ordinary tiredness.
Keep track of when symptoms appear, how long they last, and whether they are becoming more frequent or severe. This information can help healthcare professionals with their evaluation.
During a heart attack, blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, but the heart usually continues to beat and the person may remain conscious and continue breathing. However, damage to the heart muscle can affect the electrical system of the heart and trigger dangerous abnormal rhythms. In certain situations, these rhythm disturbances can develop into cardiac arrest.
Conversely, cardiac arrest is not always caused by a heart attack. Abnormal rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation, as well as various diseases or other conditions, can cause the heart to suddenly stop pumping blood effectively.
For this reason, a heart attack remains a medical emergency even when the person is still conscious and able to speak.
No. The term heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working.
In heart failure, the heart is still beating, but its pumping ability is not sufficient to meet the needs of the body. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet, ankles, or other parts of the body due to fluid buildup.
Heart failure is a serious condition that generally requires long term management. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, symptom monitoring, and management of the underlying condition.
Worsening symptoms, such as increasing shortness of breath, greater swelling, or reduced ability to carry out activities, should not be ignored. A healthcare professional can assess whether treatment or management needs to be adjusted.
Heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are all serious conditions, but they do not mean the same thing. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is disrupted or blocked. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly becomes unable to pump blood effectively. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
These differences also affect the symptoms and the actions required. Heart attack and cardiac arrest require immediate medical attention, especially when there is unusual chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or abnormal breathing. Heart failure generally requires long term management and monitoring, but new or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
In addition to recognizing the signs, supporting heart health through healthy daily habits, regular health checks, and management of risk factors can be part of preventive care. However, serious illness can also have a financial impact, from treatment needs to changes in daily activities.
For this reason, in addition to taking care of your health, you may consider financial protection as part of preparing for the risk of critical illness. Oona Heart Attack Critical Illness Insurance can be one protection option based on your needs, benefits, and the applicable policy terms.
