Knowing the difference and the signs of these life-threatening events can be valuable in saving a life. Sometimes confused, they are quite different in where they occur, the symptoms, and the treatment needed.
A heart attack and a stroke both come about because of a disruption of blood flow. One involves the heart while the other, the brain. The blood flow may be partially or totally blocked and must be treated immediately. Three types of stroke can occur, the most common being the Ischemic because of a blood clot impeding blood, nutrients, and oxygen getting to the brain. A TIA, or Transient Ischemic Stroke, is considered a ‘milder’ stroke because of impaired but not blocked blood flow and requires immediate treatment. The third, a Hemorrhagic Stroke, results from the blood vessels rupturing and blood seeping into the brain. Brain cells die off during the event at an alarming rate, so immediate treatment is critical, as is a heart attack. It is possible to have both a heart attack and a stroke at the same time. However, this is not as common, although having one can increase the risk for the other.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
The American Heart Association describes these common indicators as:
“Chest Discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
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.
Shortness of Breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other Signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.”
Further indications may include severe indigestion, becoming pale and ashen, and possible flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of a Stroke
The AHA further describes common stroke warning signs:
“Face Drooping. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
Arm Awareness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty. Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?”
Other symptoms may include difficulty walking or loss of balance, confusion, loss of vision in one or both eyes, muscle weakness, numbness, a severe headache, and paralysis in one side of the body.
What to do if someone is having a heart attack.
Call 911. This may be the most important call you’ll ever make.
Chew an aspirin or, if prescribed, take nitroglycerin.
Begin CPR on the person and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available. Modern AED devices will guide you through the process step-by-step via voice commands.
What to do if someone is having a stroke.
Call 911 as well. Get the ambulance on its way while you tend to yourself or the person having the stroke.
Do NOT give any medications to the person. Medications or aspirin may very well intensify the problem.
Give CPR if the person is not responding.
No food or drink. Although the immediate thought may be to get a glass of water, a person with a stroke may have difficulties swallowing, so choking may present a compound situation.
Time is life in both cases and calling 911 immediately is vital. Do not attempt to drive the person or yourself to the emergency room. Wait for the first responder professionals who will treat the problem immediately without waiting or having to park the car, check-in, or trying to drive safely in traffic in an immensely stressful situation.
Identifying the warning signs and symptoms of each may be crucial in determining which is occurring while calling 911 for help. You will better describe the situation to the responders, who will let you know what to do until they can get there.
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