Heart Attack Vs. Stroke: Know The Signs

A heart attack and stroke are both medical emergencies that present differently, but share many of the same risk factors, as well as the need for urgent treatment. Here’s a closer look at both conditions.

The shared risk factors for a heart attack and stroke

Although they affect different parts of the body, the underlying process for a heart attack and stroke is the same. Blood flow to vital organs and tissues is interrupted, most commonly due to a blockage of a blood vessel. Without oxygen and nutrients, the cells of these organs will begin to die.

There’s also significant overlap between the risk factors for a heart attack and stroke. For example, a history of tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity are all shared risk factors. When left unaddressed, they can lead to lasting damage to the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain.

The signs of a heart attack

The most common presentation is chest clutching and severe crushing pain, but the signs aren’t always so obvious. The following are all possible symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes that may be feel like heavy pressure, squeezing, tightness or pain. The episodes may be recurrent and lasting longer
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or prolonged fatigue

There are two different types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for nearly 90% of all strokes, and occur when vessels supplying blood to the brain become blocked. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.

A common acronym called BE FAST is used to help identify the symptoms and respond to someone having a stroke:

• Balance: Walking differently or difficulties balancing
• Eyes: Loss of, blurry, or double vision
• Face: One sided drooping or numbness
• Arm: One arm with tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Speech: Difficulties understanding, slurred speech, or seems confused
• Time: Call 911 right away, and be sure to note when symptoms first started

For both, act fast

For both a heart attack and stroke, time is critical. The sooner that someone gets medical attention, the higher their chances of survival and full recovery. We always say, “time is heart muscle” and “time is brain.”

If you or someone else is having any of these symptoms, call 911 as soon as possible. The longer the delay to diagnosis and treatment, the higher the likelihood of long-term damage and in some cases death. And even if symptoms resolve, it’s still important to be seen urgently because there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

• How heart attack warning signs show up in women.
• Yes, young people can experience strokes, too.
• Learn about Northwell’s Cardiovascular Institute.