Heart problems considerably contribute to mortality across the globe, including but not limited to heart attack and heart failure. It is important to know that while both heart failure and a heart attack involve the heart function and can be fatal, they are different problems and require different education, different therapeutic options, and at times even different mechanisms for engagement to understand how to get an effective resolution. Recognizing the different conditions could be valuable for timely and critical medical evaluation, and in many cases, it can save a life. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the difference between Heart failure and a Heart Attack and the steps that can be taken to prevent them.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is defined as the sudden death of heart muscle because of a sudden (and most often) occluded blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle. This is usually secondary to plaque development (a mix of cholesterol, fats, and other substances) in the coronary arteries. When blood flow is reduced, the heart muscle experiences a reduction in oxygen, and the heart muscle then begins to die.
Some common associated symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Sudden chest pain or pressure, referred pain to the arm, jaw or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, nausea, or fainting
- Fatigue or just being off
In order for someone to have the greatest possible chance of survival, getting blood flow back in an emergency situation is often prioritized. This priority includes getting angioplasty and/or stenting, or dissolving clot medications to get blood up the artery and reduce chances for irreversible cardiac myocyte injury. If we wait, we get a high risk for potentially fatal and irreversible effects.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working; it means that the heart is weakened and not able to pump blood effectively. Heart failure usually occurs progressively over many years. It can develop as a result of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or from a previous heart attack that damaged the heart muscle. Signs of heart failure are:
- Shortness of breath which is more prominent with exertion or lying down
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Coughing or wheezing that won’t go away
- Sudden, rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
According to the Cardiovascular surgeon in Mohali, heart failure is a chronic disease that requires a long-term plan involving lifestyle changes and medications that will help the heart pump much more effectively or help prevent fluid retention.
Prevention and Early Intervention Saves Lives
Heart failure and heart attacks also have the same risk factors, which include smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stress. Prevention includes:
- Eating a heart-healthy, low-salt, saturated-fat diet
- Exercise and weight control
- Blood pressure and sugar control
- No smoking, less alcohol
- And regular cardiac check-ups, especially after the age of 40
If you are looking for the Best cardiologist in Chandigarh, or the Best hospital for Heart treatment in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced heart specialists who provide the most comprehensive heart care in the region. Book an appointment today!