Stroke Vs Heart Attack: How Do You Know If You Have A Stroke Or Heart Attack?

If you understand the differences between a stroke and a heart attack, you can get the right help. Both are medical emergencies and can change a person's life, but a stroke is not the same as a heart attack.

While they may be involved, there is a difference between a stroke and a heart attack. Sadly, about every 43 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. About 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year . So how do we explain what distinguishes a stroke from a heart attack? Well, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Without oxygenated blood, the heart muscles begin to die. However, a stroke affects the brain. The brain attack occurs when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is cut off. This can happen if a blood vessel that feeds the brain becomes clogged or burst.

Both heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death in the United States and Canada. Rapid treatment for both types of attacks is critical to achieving a positive long-term outcome.

Stroke vs. heart risk factors

When we think of a heart attack versus a stroke, we know that there are two different organs at play, but the risk factors are the same for both. The list below covers the common risk factors:

• Family history
• Smoking
• Age
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Weak spread

People with atrial fibrillation or AF, which is a heart rhythm abnormality, have an increased risk of stroke . During AF, the heart does not beat strong enough and the blood can pool in the heart, creating a clot. If the clot breaks free and travels towards the brain, it can cause an ischemic stroke. In the case of ischemic stroke , if an artery remains blocked for more than a few minutes, brain cells may die. This is why immediate medical attention is so important.

Causes of heart attack and stroke

People are often so surprised when they have a serious medical emergency. They are left wondering what causes a heart attack or stroke. For heart attacks, when the coronary artery is blocked or narrowed too much, blood flow is severely restricted or stopped. Coronary arteries are vital because they supply blood to the heart muscle. An artery blockage can occur if a blood clot stops the flow of blood. It also occurs if too much cholesterol builds up in the artery and slows or stops circulation. For a stroke, a blood clot in an artery can occurwithin the brain to cut off the circulation of the brain. The carotid arteries carry blood to our brain. Any build up of plaque in the carotid artery can lead to a stroke. This is what we referred to above as an ischemic stroke ; however, there is another type of stroke called a haemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain and blood begins to leak into the surrounding tissue. High blood pressure, which puts pressure on the walls of the arteries, can lead to a bloody stroke.

Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke

We all need to be aware of the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Not only does it prepare us for an attack, it allows us to know when we can react if a loved one shows signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Here are some typical symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Upper body discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Mild head or dizziness

Some people who suffer a heart attack have very mild or no symptoms, known as a " silent heart attack ."

Here are some common stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden, sharp headache for no reason
• Problems with memory

Symptoms of a stroke or heart attack may depend on the severity of the attack, a person's age, gender, or overall health.

Related: How to recover from a stroke quickly and naturally

Diagnosing and treating a heart attack or stroke

Because early treatment for heart attack and stroke is crucial, treatments will often be applied before a diagnosis is actually confirmed. For example, suspected patients of heart attack and stroke are given aspirin to help prevent further blood clotting.

If you have a heart attack or stroke, a quick review of the symptoms and medical history will be done. If it's a stroke, you will probably have a CT scan of your brain. This type of scan can show bleeding in the brain. You may also undergo an MRI. The list below covers some of the common stroke treatments.

• Clot-busting medications
• Tissue plasminogen activator - a protein for breaking down blood clots
• Mechanical clot removal
• Surgery

Stroke treatment depends on the area of ​​the brain involved and the extent of tissue damage.

If you have a heart attack, it would be a different approach to confirming the diagnosis. After you have noticed the symptoms and family history, an electrocardiogram would check the health of your heart muscle. Blood tests will also be done to check for enzymes that indicate you have had a heart attack. In addition, a cardiac catheterization test can check for obstructions. See some of the treatment options for heart attack below.

• Clot-busting medications
• Nitroglycerin
• Oxygen therapy
• Various treatments for chest pain
• Surgery, including coronary artery bypass or angioplasty
• Lifestyle changes such as diet and fitness
• Cardiac rehabilitation

It is very important after a heart attack or stroke rehabilitation , along with support from family and friends. For some people, recovery can be a long and frustrating journey, but adhering to a rehabilitation program, which may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and cardiac therapy, as well as emotional support, can all make a difference. make a big difference in the overall result.