Pop Quiz: Heart Attack Versus Congestive Heart Failure
Test Your Knowledge and Know the Difference between CHF and a Heart Attack
by ERIKA ALDRICH
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing approximately one out of every four deaths. Since prevention is key, it’s important to know as much as possible about heart disease. There are many different illnesses and conditions that make up heart disease, and though they are sometimes spoken of as being one and the same, each malady has its own definition and symptoms. For instance, do you know the difference between a heart attack and congestive heart failure? Take our quiz below to
test your knowledge and learn about these two conditions— and how to avoid them!
False. A heart attack can lead to congestive heart failure.
A. When the heart muscle beats irregularly
B. When the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in your arteries blocks blood flow to the heart, depriving it of oxygen and the muscle begins to die
C. When the body’s blood “attacks” the heart
D. When impurities in the blood poison the heart.
B. A heart attack is caused by a blockage.
A. Failure to properly pump out blood to the body (left-sided heart failure) B. Back-ups in the area of the heart that collects “used” blood (right-sided heart failure) C. Fluid backs up into the lungs D. All of the above
D. All of the Above. A, B, and C are all causes of heart failure.Which of the following is the physiological cause of congestive heart failure?
E. None of the above
False. Congestive heart failure means that the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
A. Suddenly/ gradually B. Gradually/ suddenly C. Intermittently/ randomly A. Suddenly/ gradually. Heart attacks come on suddenly, while congestive heart failure comes on gradually.Fill-in-the-blank: Most heart attacks happen __________ when one of the arteries leading to the heart becomes blocked and cuts off the blood flow; Heart failure, however, usually develops __________.
D. Early/ later
Which of the following is not a symptom of heart failure?
A. Swelling (edema), water retention, and weight gain
B. Shortness of breath and/or respiratory distress
C. A sharp, intense pain in the chest
D. Fatigue, weakness, and confusion
E. Irregular or rapid heartbeat
C. A sharp, intense pain in the chest. That is a symptom of a heart attack, not heart failure.
A. Pain, pressure, and/or discomfort in the chest and/or upper body B. Water retention C. Trouble breathing D. Nausea and/or vomiting B. Water retention. That is a symptom of heart failure, not a heart attack.Which of the following is not a symptom of a heart attack?
E. Lightheadedness and tiredness
Which of the following are conditions and behaviors that lead to heart failure?
A. Congenital heart defects, irregular heartbeat, or problems with the heart muscle
B. Illnesses like infection
C. Diseases like heart valve disease, thyroid disease, HIV/AIDS, and lung disease
D. Side effects of chemotherapy or alcoholism.
E. All of the above.
E. All of the above. Congestive heart failure can be caused by a number of different conditions, behaviors, and maladies.
True. Congestive heart failure can be managed with a variety of treatments, but prevention means a longer, better quality of life.
Resources: Information provided by the American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, and WebMD.
