It’s easy to confuse strokes and heart attacks, but they are two different conditions that have very different causes and treatments. Understanding the difference between strokes and heart attacks can help you respond appropriately if you are ever in a situation where either one happens to you or someone around you. Here, we’ll give an overview of each condition, discuss the differences between them, and share some tips for prevention. Let’s get started!

 


Stroke vs. Heart Attack

A general rule of thumb is that a stroke is caused by some sort of blockage in your body’s arteries, while a heart attack is caused by a clot or ruptured artery. This, however, isn’t an entirely accurate description of either. The truth about strokes and heart attacks is complicated. Let’s break it down to find out what exactly happens when you suffer from one of these health issues.

 

Symptoms of a stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain is suddenly cut off. If it’s not treated immediately, a stroke can cause permanent damage to parts of your brain that control how you move or speak, and can even be fatal. The signs are easy to spot if you know what to look for, but many people delay seeking help because they aren’t sure whether they’re having a stroke or a heart attack.

There are many symptoms of stroke including:

•          Weakness or paralysis on one side or side of the body might suddenly occur.

•          Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech

•          An eye issue may spoil your second-sighted vision.

•          Fickleness, dizziness, or unsteadiness suddenly arise

•          Sudden severe headache with no known cause

•          Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath,

 

What to do in case you suffer from a stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of your brain is blocked, causing brain cells to die. Stroke symptoms can include difficulty speaking or understanding speech, weakness on one side of your body, loss of vision or even sudden death. If you have an experience that you suspect is a stroke, it is essential that you seek medical attention right away. You may be able to save yourself by undergoing a clot-busting medication called tPA that can restore blood flow in minutes and prevent permanent damage.

 Five ways to prevent a stroke

With a stroke, blood flow to your brain is interrupted or severely reduced by a blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding in or around your brain (hemorrhagic). This can happen due to plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis), especially those in your neck, which affects either all of your carotid arteries or just one. If a clot forms, it can travel through your bloodstream and lodge in an artery leading to your brain, causing you to suffer a stroke. Because strokes are so serious, we need to make sure that we know how to prevent them from happening. Here are five effective ways that you can do that:

•          Quit smoking

•          Maintain a healthy weight

•          Exercise regularly

•          Eat a balanced diet

•          Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

 

Ten ways to prevent heart attack

If you fail to take any action at all in the event you experience any of these symptoms, contact 9-1-1. Don’t drive yourself to a hospital. And don’t ignore them! You could save your own life! There are many different types of heart attacks that require emergency treatment. The general symptoms for all include:

•          jaw pain or discomfort

•          Chest discomfort that resembles pressure is described as a chest       discomfort.

•          arm or shoulder pain

•          stomach pain or discomfort

•          back pain;

•          lightheadedness

•          sweating

•          nausea

•          fatigue

Do not assume it is not a heart attack if you do not have ALL of these symptoms. You don't have much time left to save your life, so dial 911 if you think you're having a heart attack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stroke and heart attacks are both serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. Even their basic definitions differ greatly. There are many more specific differences between the two because they share their basic definitions. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of both conditions in order to seek treatment as soon as possible.