September 2, 2024
Experiencing a medical emergency is frightening. This is why knowing the signs of emergency medical conditions can make all the difference. In the case of a stroke or a heart attack, knowing each condition’s symptoms can save lives. Both require immediate medical attention but affect different parts of the body and have distinct symptoms. If you are a Louisiana patient concerned about your risk, Cardiovascular Institute of the South can help. Learn the symptoms of heart attack and stroke, their risk factors, and when to seek help.
A stroke occurs due to blocked blood flow in the brain. This interrupted flow causes brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen. There are two main types of strokes:
Damage from a stroke can become permanent and cause lasting disability. Get in touch with emergency responders immediately to help restore blood flow or prevent further bleeding in the brain from a hemorrhagic stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are at a higher risk of stroke. Additionally, smoking can double or quadruple your chances of experiencing an ischemic stroke. If you have one or more of these risk factors or have a family history of stroke, don’t wait to discuss your prevention and lifestyle changes with a cardiovascular professional.
While a stroke can have easily identifiable signs, it is possible to have a stroke without any outward indicators. A silent stroke occurs without the noticeable symptoms typically associated with a stroke, making it difficult to detect without medical imaging. Despite the lack of obvious signs, silent strokes can cause significant brain damage and increase the risk of future strokes.
Like a stroke, heart attacks occur due to sudden blockages in blood flow. However, the difference between a stroke vs. a heart attack is the location of this blockage. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Additionally, silent heart attacks may not present any symptoms. If you believe you are having a silent heart attack, contact 9-1-1 immediately.
Heart attacks affect an estimated 805,000 United States citizens each year. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are all significant risk factors contributing to a potential heart attack. A family history of heart disease also plays a crucial role in your susceptibility. With the help of a doctor from Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we can address your risk factors and begin preventative measures to help decrease your chances of a heart attack.
If you notice any symptoms of stroke or heart attack in yourself or someone else, don’t wait for symptoms to improve on their own. Take action as soon as possible.
While heart attack symptoms can happen immediately, other symptoms may start slowly and mildly. If you aren’t sure if your symptoms are a heart attack, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance. Emergency responders can begin treatment as soon as they arrive.
Additionally, immediate treatment for strokes is necessary to restore blood circulation and prevent further tissue damage or disability. If you are unsure if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T.
Knowing the signs of stroke vs. the symptoms of a heart attack can help you and your loved ones protect themselves. If you are concerned about your risk for stroke or heart attack or have a family history of these conditions, Cardiovascular Institute of the South can help you take control of your health. Call your closest clinic location or request an appointment online. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Take the first steps for prevention and protection today.