Back

Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Heart Failure

Unknown
3
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Boils

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

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.
Boils
A boil is a painful, pus-filled lump caused by an infection involving a hair follicle and nearby skin tissue. It may start as a tender, swollen area and enlarge as pus builds up. Several nearby boils can join to form a carbuncle.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Burning Urination Chest Pain Upper Abdominal Pain
Only in Right Disease
Eye Pain Sudden Vision Loss

Causes

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

Diagnosis

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.
Boils
A healthcare professional can usually identify a boil by examining its appearance and asking about symptoms and previous episodes. A sample of fluid or pus may be cultured to identify the organism. Recurrent boils or signs of a wider infection may warrant further evaluation.

Prevention

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.
Boils
Regular handwashing, keeping skin clean, and keeping cuts clean and covered can reduce infection risk and spread. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or razors. Cover draining areas with a clean dressing and wash hands after contact. These measures reduce risk but cannot prevent every boil.

Risk Factors

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.
Boils
Boils may be more likely with diabetes, conditions that weaken the immune system, certain skin conditions such as eczema, obesity, or close contact with someone who has boils. These factors affect susceptibility or exposure; a boil is not, by itself, evidence of poor personal hygiene.

Treatment

Heart Failure
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Boils
Treatment comparison will be available soon.