What is the medical term for when the heart stops beating?

The medical term for when the heart stops beating is known as cardiac arrest. This condition is characterized by the sudden cessation of heart function, which leads to the stopping of blood flow to the rest of the body. During cardiac arrest, the heart fails to pump blood effectively, which can result in loss of consciousness and, if not addressed immediately, can lead to death within minutes.

Cardiac arrest differs from heart failure, which is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood to meet the body's needs but does not imply an immediate cessation of heartbeat. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, refers specifically to the interruption of blood flow to a part of the heart, leading to tissue damage. A stroke, on the other hand, pertains to blood supply disruption to the brain, which is a separate condition entirely. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of cardiovascular health and emergency response.