Knowing the difference between a stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and a heart attack is essential, as each condition requires a different immediate response. This article explains the key differences and when CPR is necessary.

Table of Contents

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel.

Key Signs of a Stroke

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Immediate Action for a Stroke

Call emergency services immediately if someone shows signs of a stroke. Time is critical in stroke treatment.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a clot. This blockage prevents the heart muscle from getting oxygen-rich blood, leading to damage.

Key Signs of a Heart Attack

Chest discomfort, pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Immediate Action for a Heart Attack

Call emergency services immediately if someone shows signs of a heart attack.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It’s often caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the body.

Key Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden collapse.
Loss of consciousness.
No breathing or abnormal breathing (gasping).
No pulse.

Immediate Action for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Call emergency services immediately.
Begin CPR if the person is not breathing or only gasping.
Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available.

When to Use CPR

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should be used when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Specifically, when they are:

Unresponsive.
Not breathing or only gasping.
Have no pulse.

CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency medical help arrives.

Medical Emergency Response Guides

Here are two tables outlining how to perform CPR and the key differences and treatments for stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.

CPR Table and Guide

CPR Step	Description
1. Check for responsiveness	Tap the person firmly on the shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you OK?”
2. Call for help	If the person doesn’t respond, call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately. If possible, ask someone else to call while you start CPR.
3. Check for breathing	Look for chest movement for 5-10 seconds. If there is no normal breathing or only gasping, start CPR.
4. Hand placement	Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first, interlacing your fingers.
5. Chest compressions	Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults.
6. Give breaths (if trained)	After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and pinch the nose closed. Give each breath for about 1 second and watch for the chest to rise.
7. Continue CPR	Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths (if trained) until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

Differences Between Stroke, Heart Attack, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

This table outlines the key differences and treatments for stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.

Condition	Key Differences	Treatments
Stroke	Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.	Call 911 immediately. Treatment may include clot-busting drugs or surgery to remove the clot.
Heart Attack	Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.	Call 911 immediately. Treatment may include medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.
Cardiac Arrest	Sudden loss of responsiveness. No normal breathing. No pulse.	Call 911 immediately. Start CPR immediately. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.

Parting Words

Use the above charts to better understand the differences between a stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest. Also, the CPR guide will give you an idea of what to expect when taking a CPR class. The more you know about the heart, the better you’ll feel about how you maintain your lifestyle and how to make more heart-healthy choices.

Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a health writer from Tucson, AZ. Contact her at donnar668@gmail.com for writing and editing services.