Are heart failure and heart attacks the same
Ever heard the terms "heart failure" and "heart attack" and wondered if they’re basically the same thing? They’re not! They are both serious, but mean very different things are happening with the heart. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
Heart Failure – What’s Going On?
Think of your heart as a pump. When someone has heart failure, that pump isn’t doing its job as well as it should. This means your blood isn’t flowing the way it should, and stuff like fluid can build up in places like your legs or belly. You might feel tired, have trouble breathing, or notice some swelling.
You might have no symptoms at first. But as things get worse, it can cause:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Trouble breathing – This might lead you to be less active or to need extra pillows at night to sleep.
- A racing heartbeat, even while resting
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs (figure 1), or in your belly
Heart Attack – What’s Going On?
A heart attack happens when a blood clot blocks an artery that brings blood to your heart. Without blood flow, part of your heart muscle can get damaged. That’s why getting help fast is so important!
Signs of a heart attack:
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Pain in your neck, arm, throat, back, or other parts of the upper body
- Feeling short of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, burping, or heartburn
- Sweating or cold, clammy skin
- A fast or uneven heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
For women, heart attacks can feel different. Chest pain isn’t always the main sign. Instead, women might feel really tired, short of breath, or even have trouble sleeping in the days before. They’re also more likely to feel sick to their stomach or have pain in their back, shoulders, neck, arms, or belly.
"According to the Cleveland Clinic, women are less likely to have chest pain or discomfort that feels like indigestion. They’re more likely to have shortness of breath, fatigue, and insomnia that started before the heart attack. They also have nausea and vomiting or pain in their back, shoulders, neck, arms, or abdomen."
What’s the Key Difference?
Here’s the easy part:
- Heart Failure means your heart is having trouble pumping blood around.
- Heart Attack happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to your heart and causes damage.
Can One Lead to the Other?
Sometimes, yes. If you have a heart attack, it can damage your heart, and over time, that damage can lead to heart failure. But heart failure doesn’t always start with a heart attack. They can happen separately too!
How Are They Treated?
After a heart attack, taking medications can really help, while adjusting your diet and staying active help reduce strain on your heart. You may also undergo minor or major surgery if needed to prevent further heart attacks. If you have heart failure, monitoring symptoms like sudden weight gain and cutting back on salt and fluids can improve things for you. In both cases, regular exercise (with your doctor’s approval), quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol are key!
Keep Your Heart Happy!
Taking care of your heart with healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and not smoking can lower your risk. If you ever feel unwell or notice symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing, call your provider or seek urgent care! They’re there to help you. 💖
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