Difference between heart attack and heart failure

Heart attack comes suddenly to any person. A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries leading to the heart becomes blocked and blocks blood flow. In this situation, oxygen does not reach the heart and without oxygen, the muscles of the heart start dying, due to which the person gets a heart attack.

Let us tell you that in a heart attack, the ability of the heart to pump blood becomes weak, due to which heart failure can occur. Sometimes heart failure can occur suddenly after a heart attack.

(Read More - Home remedies for heart disease)

By the way, the symptoms of heart attack are not noticeable. Hence, it is also called a silent heart attack. Nevertheless, before a heart attack, the body can give some common signs, which should not be ignored at all. Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person -

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Discomfort in the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Difficulty breathing
• To sweat
• Feeling tired
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness

(Read More - How Does Heart Disease Affect the Body)

Heart attack can come due to blockage in the coronary artery. A heart attack usually occurs when some condition damages the heart or when the heart has to work harder to pump blood. The causes of heart attack are as follows -

Heart attack treatment aims to prevent or reduce serious damage to the heart muscle. Before treating it, it is necessary to confirm a heart attack. Doctors can treat heart attacks with the help of some medicines and therapy -

• Aspirin
• Nitroglycerin
• Oxygen therapy
• Beta-blockers

After treating a heart attack, doctors try to improve blood flow. Coronary angioplasty treatment can be done for this. In this, a balloon is used to open the artery and improve blood flow. In this situation, the doctor can insert a stent to keep the artery open. Also, after treating a heart attack, doctors can prescribe medicines to reduce clotting, blood pressure, and pressure on the heart. This can prevent heart attacks from coming again.

(Read More - Minor heart attack treatment)

The problem of heart failure usually develops gradually. Heart failure occurs when the weakened heart muscles are unable to pump blood to nourish the cells in the body. Heart failure is a chronic condition, which gradually worsens, but with the help of medicines, it can help to prevent the symptoms of heart failure from progressing.

(Read More - Heart and blood related diseases)

Symptoms of heart failure depend on the severity. Shortness of breath and pain in the right or left side of the heart are the most common symptoms of heart failure, but as the heart weakens, its symptoms worsen. Symptoms of heart failure can be -

• Feeling general weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble concentrating
• Cough frequently
• Feeling tired
• Bluish discoloration of fingers and lips
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite

(Read More - Foods For Heart Health)

Commonly some medical conditions, injuries, and infections can lead to heart failure. Heart failure can affect both the left and right sides of the heart. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, while the right side collects oxygen-poor blood and pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. When these functions are interrupted, a condition of heart failure can arise. Heart failure can be caused by the following -

In the condition of heart failure, doctors can give medicines used for heart attacks. This includes medicines to lower blood pressure or slow the heart rate. Apart from this, diuretic medicine can also be given. This will reduce swelling and shortness of breath.

Along with medication, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing weight, reducing salt, and exercising can also prove beneficial in heart failure. If the problem is more, surgery can be done and even a pacemaker can be fitted. At the same time, heart transplants can be done in severe cases.

(Read More - Exercise Tips For Heart Disease)

Heart attack and heart failure are two conditions that can cause similar risks. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow is partially or completely obstructed. On the other hand, heart failure occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough blood properly in the body. Although both of these can affect the heart, the symptoms, causes, and treatment of heart attack and heart failure are different from each other. In such a situation, the symptoms of heart attack and heart failure can be prevented from increasing with the right lifestyle, diet, and regular exercise.

(Read More - Home Remedies to Make Heart Strong)