cardiac arrest

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. abrupt cessation of heartbeat.

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cardiac arrest British  

noun

1. failure of the pumping action of the heart, resulting in loss of consciousness and absence of pulse and breathing: a medical emergency requiring immediate resuscitative treatment

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cardiac arrest Cultural  

1. See heart attack.

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Etymology

Origin of cardiac arrest

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Cardiac arrest — the sudden loss of heart function — causes more than 436,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Cardiac arrest, when the heart stops, is distinct from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow in an artery feeding the heart is blocked.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2023

Cardiac arrest can occur for many reasons, including an underlying illness or COVID-19 itself.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2022

Cardiac arrest survivor Alan Mathias said it was "just incredible" people would target the life-saving equipment.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2022

Cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death from a lightning strike.

From The Guardian • Feb. 17, 2021