Differentiating between heart failure and a heart attack: an explanation
Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States, with heart attacks causing around 600,000 deaths annually. Heart attacks and heart failure, two serious conditions, share some common causes but exhibit distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.
Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, occur when there is a sudden reduction in the flow of blood to a section of the heart, typically due to a blockage. Common causes include coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use. A coronary artery spasm can also cause a heart attack.
Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person and may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness or dizziness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and upper-body discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to call 911 immediately.
On the other hand, heart failure, or congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. This can be caused by prior heart attacks, CAD, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. Symptoms relate to poor circulation and fluid buildup, including shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs (edema), and persistent coughing or wheezing.
Treatment for a heart attack focuses on restoring blood flow urgently, often through medications (thrombolytics, antiplatelets), angioplasty, or surgery. Treatment for heart failure aims to manage symptoms and slow progression through lifestyle changes, medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), and in severe cases, device therapy or transplantation. Preventing heart attacks through risk factor management also helps reduce heart failure risk since heart attacks are a major cause of heart failure.
Symptoms of left sided heart failure include general weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue, coughing, difficulty concentrating, a bluish color of fingers and lips, and difficulty sleeping flat. Symptoms of right sided heart failure may include swelling in the ankles, feet, neck veins, abdomen, and legs, weight gain, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and urinating frequently.
It is essential to remember that both heart attack and heart failure can be fatal if left untreated. Anyone with symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure should immediately seek the advice of a healthcare professional. The heart, a muscular pump that circulates blood to all the tissues throughout the body, is an integral part of our lives, and taking care of it is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Coronary Artery Disease. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiovascular-disease/coronary-artery-disease [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart Attack Symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386 [3] American Heart Association. (2021). Heart Failure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Heart Failure. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/90695-heart-failure
- Heart failure, a chronic disease, can be caused by prior heart attacks, heart attacks being one of the leading causes of failure.
- Scientific research reveals that heart disease, encompassing heart attacks and heart failure, shares common causes such as CAD, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Awareness of prevention and prompt treatment is vital for dealing with medical-conditions like heart attacks and heart failure, which are important to the health-and-wellness of countless individuals.
- To combat the risks and symptoms of heart disease, one should frequently consult reliable sources like the American Heart Association ([1]) and the Mayo Clinic ([2]) for information on conditions and symptoms, and the Cleveland Clinic ([3], [4]) for treatment approaches and preventative measures.
