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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Esophageal Cancer

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Heart Failure

Unknown
3
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Early disease may cause few or no symptoms. As the tumor grows, people may develop difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, weight loss, chest discomfort, or persistent indigestion.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It does not mean that the heart has stopped working. Heart failure may develop suddenly or gradually and can affect one or both sides of the heart. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, swelling of the legs or feet, and difficulty breathing when lying down.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Hoarseness Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Burning Urination Chest Pain Upper Abdominal Pain

Causes

Shared
Smoking
Only in Left Disease
Alcohol
Only in Right Disease
High Cholesterol Obesity

Diagnosis

Esophageal Cancer
Diagnosis usually begins with evaluation of swallowing difficulty, chest or upper abdominal symptoms, weight loss, and other concerning findings. Upper endoscopy allows direct examination of the esophagus and collection of tissue for biopsy. CT, PET, or other imaging may then be used to assess the tumor, nearby structures, lymph nodes, and possible spread.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is diagnosed using symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Doctors may check for abnormal heart sounds, swelling, or signs of fluid buildup. Tests can include blood tests, chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram, and echocardiography to assess heart structure and function. Other imaging or heart tests may be used to identify the cause and severity.

Prevention

Esophageal Cancer
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic acid reflux can help reduce several risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. People with Barrett esophagus should follow recommended medical surveillance and treatment. Persistent or progressive difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Heart Failure
The risk of heart failure can be reduced by controlling conditions that damage the heart. This includes maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing diabetes, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular physical activity. Treating heart disease and following prescribed treatment can also help prevent worsening heart function.

Risk Factors

Esophageal Cancer
Risk factors include cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, obesity, certain dietary patterns, and increasing age. Some inherited conditions, environmental exposures, and previous abnormalities of the esophagus may also increase risk. Risk varies according to the type of esophageal cancer.
Heart Failure
Risk factors for heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a family history of heart disease. Risk also increases with age. Previous heart attack, heart valve disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and some diseases that damage the heart muscle can increase the likelihood of developing heart failure.

Treatment

Esophageal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Heart Failure
Treatment comparison will be available soon.