What's the difference between a sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition that occurs when the heart stops pumping blood. Usually, this is caused by an electrical problem in the heart. Occasionally, there is a mechanical problem where there may be a abnormal electrical signal; in turn the heart muscle fails to pump. Sometimes SCA is caused by severe hemorrhage and other issues.
 
A heart attack is caused by a circulation or plumbing problem of the heart, when one (or more) of the arteries delivering blood to the heart is blocked. Oxygen in the blood cannot reach the heart muscle, and the heart muscle becomes damaged. This damage to the heart muscle can lead to disturbances of the heart's electrical system. A malfunction of the heart's electrical system may cause dangerously fast or slow heart rhythms that can cause SCA. Many SCAs occur in patients with coronary heart disease. If the patient suffers a heart attack, there is a higher risk for SCA.
 

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