Which term describes death that is declared when the heart has stopped beating?

The term that describes death declared when the heart has stopped beating is known as cardiac death. This condition occurs when there is a complete and irreversible cessation of all functions of the heart. Once the heart stops, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs ceases, leading to the eventual failure of bodily functions and signaling the end of life. This definition is grounded in both medical practice and legal standards for determining death.

In contrast, neurological death refers to the irreversible loss of all brain activity, which may occur even when the heart is still beating, as artificial means can maintain circulation. Respiratory death is not a widely recognized term in medical definitions, as it lacks the clarity that specifically characterizes when the heart stops. Brain death encompasses a complete and irreversible loss of brain function and is a distinct medical diagnosis that may not align with the cardiac criteria for death. Thus, cardiac death is precisely defined and specifically refers to the cessation of heart activity as the determinant of death.