Heart attacks and strokes have similar warning signs and symptoms, but how can one really tell the difference between them? We've created a guide of the top warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.
Heart Attack Warning Signs And Symptoms
Anyone going through a heart attack can feel extreme discomfort in their chest that lasts for several minutes, or it can come and go as it pleases. Heart attacks can also cause pressure, tight squeezing, and intense pain.
For both men and women, heart attacks can reach other areas of their bodies, such as the arms, back, neck, and stomach, according to WebMD. Similar to panic attacks, heart attacks can cause someone to start sweating, feel nauseous, or even lightheaded.
Stroke
Compared to heart attacks, strokes come with different symptoms. Both men and women experiencing stroke will have trouble walking, as they'll start to feel dizzy. Other conditions to look out for are trouble seeing, numbness throughout the body, and difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or confusion, according to the American Stroke Association.
The Cause
In most cases, small blood clots in the blood vessel that leads to the heart or brain can cause a heart attack or stroke.
In addition, stress can also be a trigger in causing heart problems. A condition called atherosclerosis can cause plaque deposits to build up in the heart's arteries, according to Stanford Health Care.
"Relatively minor stresses also can trigger heart problems, such as myocardial ischemia. This is a condition in which the heart doesn't get enough blood. Chronic stress can also affect how the blood clots. It can make the blood stickier and increase your risk for stroke."
Who Is At Risk?
Family members who have heart disease can pass it along to other generations. This can cause health conditions such as heart-related diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating habits and smoking, can add to heart attacks and strokes.
Research from the Journal of the American Heart Association also found that adults with asthma also increases the chance of getting heart disease.
Preventing Heart Attacks And Strokes
Taking care of ourselves is what leads to long and healthy life. There may be some factors that we can't change, including family genetics. However, the thing that counts the most is making healthy choices to avoid getting a heart attack or stroke.
