Common signs of heart attack and stroke
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to life threatening events such as heart attack or stroke, a leading cause of death in the USA.
Heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
Stroke and heart attack is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.
Always call 911 to seek immediate medical attention.
Early signs of a stroke:
1. Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. You may experience confusion, slur words or have difficulty understanding speech.
2. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Also, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
3. Problems seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.
4. Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate that you're having a stroke.
5. Trouble walking. You may stumble or lose your balance. You may also have sudden dizziness or a loss of coordination.
Early signs of a heart attack:
1. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Useful tip
Learn more about heart attack and stroke from the American Heart Association here:
Source: The American Heart Association
Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.