Heart Failure Not As Life Threatening As Heart Attack: Experts

There exists a big difference between 'heart failure' and 'heart attack'. Experts say that people believe in the myth that heart failure is similar to heart attack. But that's not the case. According to the medical experts, heart failure is not as life-threatening as a heart attack.

As per a report published by Indian Express, Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Cardiology Department at BLK Specialty Hospital, New Delhi says, "Heart failure refers to the heart's inability to circulate blood through the body." During a heart failure, the flow of blood is slower than normal, thus, leading to the malfunction of multiple organs such as kidneys, liver, and brain.

Heart failure can be a serious health implication but it is not as life-threatening as a heart attack. The major symptoms of a heart failure are shortness of breath, weakness, swelling in legs and feet, high urination during night, sudden weight gain, rapid and irregular heartbeat and continuous wheezing or a cough.

According to FreePressJournal, Salil Shirodkar, Interventional Cardiologist at Mumbai's Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital states that heart attack is secondary to blocked coronary circulation. During a heart attack, the supply of blood to various muscles of the heart is cut down or reduced drastically.  

There are two types of heart dysfunction (systolic heart failure and diastolic failure) which can lead to heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart is weak and the muscles of the left ventricle lose its ability to contract. It is most common cause for heart failure. Diastolic failure occurs when the muscle becomes stiff and loses its ability to relax. Apart from these two, a heart failure can be caused due to other reasons such as coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathy and heart attack.

According to a statement given by Vishal Rastogi of Fortis Escort Heart Institute to Indian Express, the main reason for heart failure is the blockages in the blood vessel or due to some infection or drugs. He further added that high blood pressure is one of the main reasons of heart failure. Heart failure also occurs with heart defects present since birth or due to any other hereditary heart defects. Children with hereditary heart defects experience a slower growth and development when compared to normal kids.

Heart failure can be prevented by adopting a proper and healthy diet, daily exercise, jogging, swimming, a good amount of sleep and reducing stress and tension. People who are suffering from diabetes should be more careful. At present, there are no proper cures available for treating heart failure, but there are steps which can be taken to prevent a heart from getting weak. Controlling hypertension, non-smoking and alcohol and a regular check-up with the doctors can strengthen your heart. At times, surgery can also prevent your heart from further damage and can help in its overall functioning.