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

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

A higher volume of calls involves remote rescues on trails due to falls that caused traumatic injuries or people experiencing cardiac arrest.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Belgian Michael Goolearts died after a cardiac arrest during the 2018 race.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Chance of cardiac arrest; be better, he reflected, if I lived in town where those buildings have a doctor standing by with those electro-spark machines.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick