Heart Attack vs. Heart Failure - Differences You Need to Know

Heart Attack and Heart Failure are heart diseases. While they may have some causes common to them, there are many differences between the two conditions. 

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when any of the arteries supplying blood to the heart gets blocked or is ruptured, and consequently, the blood flow to the heart is severed. 

The heart muscles start to die immediately, because of the lack of oxygen, if no immediate medical intervention is made. 

A heart attack may also lead to heart failure when it directly impacts the pumping capacity of the heart, and this condition is named acute heart failure.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition, develops over time and is the gradual weakening of the muscles of the heart. Because of the weakening, the heart becomes incapable of pumping an adequate amount of blood to the other body organs, and the reduced blood flow may lead to complete heart dysfunctioning and failure. 

Heart failure treatment carried out by a good cardiologist improves the condition and health of the heart, and with medications, the affected person may lead a normal life.

Causes of Heart Attack and Heart Failure

Both heart failure and heart attack can be caused by coronary artery disease, which is the gradual narrowing and hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. 

The arteries narrow down because of the accumulation of plaque within them and they may also rupture due to it.

Heart Attack occurs when a plaque piece breaks off and forms a clot, thereby stopping the flow of blood to the heart. Coronary artery (an artery supplying blood to the heart) may also have a spasm or a tear that may lead to heart attack.

While Heart Failure may also occur because of coronary artery disease, it also stems from many other and different conditions. Some of these include:
  • Congenital defects of the heart
  • Diseases of heart valve
  • Infections including the HIV infection
  • Chronic alcohol abuse
  • Thyroid and lung disease
  • Chemotherapy 
It is important for individuals to undergo heart check-up and clinical tests, to exercise regularly and to consume a nutritious diet for keeping vital organs including the heart in perfect health. Contact a leading and best heart hospital in India for heart care and treatment.
Location: India

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