Heart Failure Vs Heart Attack

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs, resulting in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. It can occur due to various underlying causes, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and previous heart attacks, leading to a progressive decline in heart function. Patients may experience episodes of decompensation where symptoms worsen, necessitating medical intervention to manage the condition and improve quality of life.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot in a coronary artery, causing damage to the heart muscle. This blockage deprives the heart tissue of oxygen, resulting in pain, discomfort, and potential long-term damage if not treated promptly. Symptoms often include chest pain, radiating pain to the arms or jaw, nausea, and sweating. Timely medical intervention, such as administering clot-busting drugs or performing surgical procedures, is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.