cardiology doctor near to me Heart failure is the same as a heart attack1 Heart failure and heart attack are two different things. A heart attack occurs suddenly and unexpectedly when the arteries supplying blood to the heart are blocked and typically results in the death of part of a heart muscle. Heart failure is a chronic (long-term) condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. However, heart failure can be caused by a heart attack. Other causes include high blood pressure and lifestyle factors.