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

Archibald also paid tribute to the coaches, team-mates and family who have supported her through her career, including her partner Rab Wardell, who died in 2022 aged 37 after a cardiac arrest.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

The property was home to the “Thriller” legend for just six months before he died on June 25, 2009, having suffered from cardiac arrest caused by “acute Propofol intoxication.”

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

The mayor of Neufchatel-Hardelot said the two women suffered cardiac arrest, suggesting that they might have been "crushed at the bottom of the boat when there are so many on board."

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Acute conditions, such as sepsis and cardiac arrest, account for more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Alberta went into cardiac arrest and died two hours later.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander