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Heart Attack vs. Heart Failure: How Do They Differ?

Difference between a heart attack and heart failure?

After defining heart attack and heart failure, let’s examine their main distinctions. We’ll concentrate on the underlying reasons, the signs, and viable solutions.

Causes

Whole or partial blockage of the coronary arteries is what causes a heart attack. Conditions that harm the heart or make it work harder to pump blood are frequently to blame for heart failure.

Causes of heart attacks

A common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease. With this condition, the artery walls have developed a material called plaque due to a process known as atherosclerosis.

The coronary arteries get thin when plaque builds up. A coronary artery’s plaque has the potential to rupture, forming a blood clot. A heart attack could result from this blood clot impeding blood flow via the coronary arteries.

An abrupt tightness (spasm) of the coronary arteries, which can also reduce blood flow, is a less frequent cause of heart attacks. This can occur as a result of significant physical or emotional stress, excessive cold, or cocaine use.