The difference between a stroke and a heart attack

Both of these conditions occur suddenly and lead to a lack of oxygen-rich blood flow for essential brain and heart functions, causing damage and cell death.

Recognizing a heart attack

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or stopped. This can happen due to a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that causes the blood vessels to become narrower. The blockage is mainly made up of fat and cholesterol, which is known as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis can cause ischemia by restricting blood flow to the heart. In addition, if a plaque ruptures from the artery wall, a blood clot can form, blocking needed blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle stops receiving oxygen and nutrient-rich blood flow, the cells in the heart get damaged or die.

The main symptom of a heart attack is usually chest pain or discomfort in the left or middle part of the chest, lasting more than three minutes. This pressure may feel like squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Other symptoms of a heart attack may include: dizziness (feeling weak or faint); jaw, neck, or back pain; shoulder or arm pain; short of breath; fatigue for no reason; nausea or vomiting; sweat; heart beats fast.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attack. Other health conditions that increase your risk of developing heart disease or a heart attack include: high blood pressure or high blood pressure; fat; high cholesterol; smoke; abuse alcohol or drugs; eat a diet high in fat, salt and sugar; lazy to exercise. Uncontrollable risk factors are family history and advanced age.

Recovery from a heart attack depends on many factors, including: the severity of the heart attack; treatment; the patient’s overall health. In some cases, patients are able to return to work and normal activities two weeks to three months after a heart attack.

Some of the complications associated with a heart attack can include: heart failure, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, depression, and anxiety.

Recognizing a stroke

A stroke occurs when there is not enough blood to the brain. This lack of blood deprives the brain of the oxygen it needs to function, leading to brain cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke is the result of a blockage inside a blood vessel in the brain, 87% of strokes are ischemic. Hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a blood vessel inside the brain suddenly bursting, which is less common, accounting for about 13% of all strokes.

Stroke symptoms often come on quickly and include: numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (more often on one side of the body); difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; confusion; hard to say; loss of balance or dizziness; Severe headaches that occur unusually. A stroke is life-threatening and needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Several key factors can increase your risk of having an ischemic stroke, such as: high blood pressure or high blood pressure; diabetes; heart disease; atrial fibrillation; smoke; a genetic history of heart disease or stroke; old.

Lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of ischemic stroke include: lack of physical activity; drink alcohol; use narcotic; high cholesterol; fat; unhealthy diet.

A hemorrhagic stroke is usually caused by one of several factors: an enlarged part of a blood vessel in the brain due to increased pressure and eventually ruptures; or a group of abnormally formed blood vessels.

There is also a link between head trauma and an increased risk of future hemorrhagic strokes.

Stroke affects people differently depending on the part of the brain involved. Stroke patients may experience some sequelae such as: paralysis on the right or left side of the body; difficulty in using language; lost memory; difficult to control behavior; weak eyesight; even death.

Chau Vu (According to Verywellhealth)