Heart Attack & Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment & Role of CPR

Understanding Heart Attack / Heart Failure
Although often confused, heart attack and heart failure are two different medical emergencies:
• A Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.
• Heart Failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump blood efficiently, leading to fatigue and fluid buildup.
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Common Causes of Heart Attack and Heart Failure
Heart Attack Causes:
• Blocked coronary arteries due to plaque or clot
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and obesity
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Stress and poor diet
Heart Failure Causes:
• Long-term high blood pressure
• Previous heart attacks
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
• Valve disorders
• Irregular heart rhythms
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Early Warning Signs & Symptoms
Heart Attack:
• Chest pain or tightness
• Pain in arm, jaw, back, or neck
• Breathlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
• Cold sweats and dizziness
Heart Failure:
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Breathlessness (especially at night)
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Persistent cough
• Rapid heartbeat
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How to Prevent Heart Diseases
• Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in salt, sugar, and saturated fat)
• Exercise regularly
• Control BP, sugar, and cholesterol
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Reduce stress through yoga or meditation
• Get regular health checkups
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Treatment Options
For Heart Attack:
• Immediate Medications: Aspirin, nitroglycerin, clot busters
• Intervention: Angioplasty or bypass surgery
• Post-care: Lifestyle changes and medication
For Heart Failure:
• Drugs: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers
• Devices: Pacemakers or defibrillators
• Advanced Care: Heart transplant (in severe cases)
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CPR: A Life-Saving Skill
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is used when a person stops breathing or their heart stops beating, such as in cardiac arrest. It keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until medical help arrives.
Steps to Perform CPR:
1. Check response and breathing
2. Call emergency services (e.g., 108)
3. Start chest compressions: Push hard and fast (100–120/min)
4. Give rescue breaths (if trained): 30 compressions, 2 breaths
5. Continue until help arrives or the person recovers
Even untrained individuals can perform hands-only CPR—just chest compressions—to save lives.
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Family & Partner Support Matters
• Encourage your loved one to manage their diet and medications
• Help them stay active and positive
• Learn CPR together
• Attend follow-up visits and cardiac rehab sessions
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Where to Find Trusted Heart Medicines?
At Intros Care, we understand how critical heart health is. We stock a complete range of cardiac care medicines, including those for:
• Angina
• Heart Failure
• Blood Pressure Management
• Cholesterol Control
• Emergency heart care drugs
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Your Heart Deserves Care — Act Early, Live Fully
Heart conditions can be prevented, managed, and treated effectively with awareness, timely action, and the right support. Stay informed, stay active, and don’t ignore the signs your body gives.
Need help? Call or visit us today!
Intros Care – Pharmacy & Polyclinic, SCO 1001B, CONNOUGHT PALCE, TDI CITY, SECTOR 110, MOHALI