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

He went into cardiac arrest while at the hospital and required three rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

His inquest earlier this year heard that neither the coaches nor the 999 call handler recognised his irregular, shallow breathing was a sign of cardiac arrest.

From BBC • May 22, 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

The professor had told her about doll’s eyes, another name for the white baneberry that could cause cardiac arrest.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby