A stroke is caused by a stoppage in blood flow to the brain, whereas a heart attack is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the heart. Each emergency requires a unique set of first aid remedies. Immediate response can spell the difference between a patient’s survival and recovery or severe injury (and even death).
If you believe someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, dial 995 immediately for emergency medical assistance. Understanding the symptoms of each can assist you in determining what to do until help arrives.
The following factors influence stroke and heart attack symptoms:
The symptoms might appear suddenly and without notice.
Stroke symptoms are caused by brain cells dying from oxygen deprivation. Among these signs are:
It might be difficult to recall a comprehensive list of stroke symptoms, especially when they occur in the heat of the moment. The three main symptoms have an effect on a person’s face, arms, and ability to communicate.
To assist you in remembering how to recognize and respond to a stroke fast, use the mnemonic FAST:
Heart attack symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually over a period of hours (or even days). The following are the most common symptoms of a heart attack:
A heart attack may be accompanied by unusual tiredness, nausea, or vomiting; research suggests that these symptoms are more common in women than in men. Also, they are frequently misdiagnosed as chest pain, heartburn, or even gallbladder attack.
A clogged artery can cause both strokes and heart attacks.
An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke.
A blood clot in a brain artery can cut off circulation to the brain. This can result in a stroke.
Carotid arteries transport blood to the brain. The same thing can happen if plaque builds up in the carotid artery.
A hemorrhagic stroke is the other major type of stroke. When a blood artery in the brain ruptures, blood seeps into the surrounding tissue. A hemorrhagic stroke can be the result of high blood pressure that stretches the walls of your arteries.
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery gets clogged or narrowed to the point where blood flow ceases or is severely restricted. A coronary artery is a blood vessel that distributes oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.
A blood clot can block a coronary artery, preventing blood flow. It can also happen if too much cholesterol plaque builds up in the artery, causing circulation to slow or cease entirely.
If you had an ischemic stroke and arrived at the hospital within a few hours of the onset of symptoms, your doctor may give you a tissue plasminogen activator, which helps break up a clot. They can also extract a clot from blood arteries using microscopic instruments.
A hemorrhagic stroke may necessitate surgery to restore the damaged blood artery. In some situations, your doctor may use a specific clip to secure the ruptured portion of a blood vessel.
Sometimes addressing the blockage that caused a heart attack takes more than simply medicine and lifestyle adjustments. In certain cases, either coronary artery bypass grafting (CAGB) or angioplasty with a stent may be required.
During a CABG, often known as “bypass surgery,” your doctor connects a blood vessel from another region of your body to a clogged artery. This reroutes blood flow around the obstructed part of the blood vessel.
Angioplasty is performed with a catheter that has a small balloon at its tip. Your doctor inserts a catheter into the blood vessel and inflates a balloon at the blockage spot. The balloon squeezes the plaque against the artery walls, opening it up for greater blood flow. They will frequently leave a small wire mesh tube, known as a stent, in place to help keep the artery open.
Following a heart attack and subsequent treatment, you should engage in cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation lasts several weeks and consists of monitored exercise sessions as well as teaching about diet, lifestyle, and drugs to improve heart health.
Many of the methods can help you avoid a stroke and a heart attack as well. These are some examples:
Certain risk factors, such as age and family health history, are beyond your control. However, you can live a healthy lifestyle that may help minimize your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Do you want to know more about your risk of heart attack and stroke? Have you had a previous heart attack or stroke and wish to lower your chances of having another? Book a teleconsultation with MaNaDr!
