Heart Emergencies Explained: Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest & Heart Failure Although These terms sound similar, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure are three separate heart-related conditions with different causes and treatments. Being aware of the distinction between these heart problems allows patients and families to respond correctly in emergencies. https://medium.com/@linda.wockhardthospitals/heart-attack-cardiac-arrest-or-heart-failure-whats-the-difference-ad30355a5da7