Heart failure and heart attack are two different conditions related to the heart, although they can sometimes be related.


Heart Failure:


Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can happen gradually over time due to conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or damage to the heart muscle (such as from a previous heart attack). It can also be caused by infections or diseases that affect the heart muscle.

Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent cough or wheezing, and increased need to urinate at night.

Heart failure is usually a chronic condition that requires lifelong management through medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures or surgeries.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):

A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage or death of part of the heart muscle.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort (which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain), pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart. Treatment may involve medications, procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement, or surgery.

In summary, heart failure is a chronic condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood, while a heart attack is an acute event resulting from a blockage in the coronary arteries leading to damage or death of part of the heart muscle. While they are distinct conditions, they can sometimes be related, as heart failure can increase the risk of a heart attack, and a heart attack can cause damage to the heart muscle that may lead to heart failure over time.