The vast majority of people don’t know the difference between heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke and they use these three terms to describe different health problems. Of course, this is very wrong because, despite the fact that these occurrences are related to our hearts, the causes, symptoms, and effects on our bodies are different.
If you are able to identify each of these terms in the right way, you will be able to get proper treatment in case they occur. In addition, you will know how to act if someone close to you experiences some of these health conditions.
Basic Information about Each of These Health Conditions
Continue reading this article in order to learn more about each of these frequent conditions, the common signs, and symptoms, and how to act in case they occur.
Heart Attack is a Blood Circulation Disorder
In case the blood flow (the blood which is packed with oxygen) is dealing with obstacles located in the heart muscle (any part) this obstacle must be removed because it can result in the death of the muscle and eventually lead to a heart attack. It is good to point out that if someone experiences this condition, their heart keeps beating.
Cardiac Arrest is a so-called Electrical Disorder
In case the heart’s electrical activity experiences difficulties, people can expect improper heart beating and problems with proper blood pumping all over the body. This is what cardiac arrest is. This heart condition leads to temporary or permanent blocking of a heartbeat.
Stroke is a Common Brain Disorder
Stroke can be separated into three different groups:
- Hemorrhagic stroke – this stroke occurs when the artery located in the brain ruptures.
- TIA (Transient ischemic attack) – this condition is also known as a mini-stroke. It is witnessed in case the artery that has the main role in the transportation of blood directly to the brain stops functioning temporarily.
- Ischemic stroke – ischemic stroke is experienced when the artery responsible for the transportation of blood enriched with oxygen directly to our brain is blocked.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
The following is a short list of heart attack symptoms. They can appear in the early phase or in the last several days.
- Body aches – intense pain felt in the abdomen, neck, upper and low back, arms, and jaw.
- Angina (chest pain) – This pain is usually felt like heaviness located in the center of the chest and is often mistaken for indigestion. This pain can appear and disappear after a few minutes (waves).
- Cold sweating
- Improper breathing, wheezing sound
- Increased anxiety
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
It is best to take care of these symptoms with some natural home remedies although you can use medications too. Remember that they are related to the heart.
Read more: Recognize These 5 Heart Attack Symptoms One Month Ahead
Symptoms of a Cardiac Arrest:
There are cases in which a few minutes before someone experiences a cardiac arrest, they experience symptoms that feel very close to the ones that occur in cases of a heart attack.
- Blackout
- Fainting
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Severe palpitation
- Weakness
However, in a majority of cases, people with cardiac arrest will notice some of these symptoms:
- Poor responsiveness
- Loss of breath
- Loss of pulse
- Unexpected collapse
All these symptoms come out of nowhere and in many cases result in death. An individual who has experienced a heart attack has a greater chance to experience cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of a Stroke
- Irregular speech
- Mental difficulties like memory loss, lack of attention, etc.
- Dizziness and walking difficulties
- Paralysis in the area of the face, legs, and arms (especially the left side)
- Nausea
- Blurred eyesight
- Vomiting and frequent headaches
- TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack
- Uncontrolled sweating
Read more: 20 seconds Self-Test To Check The Risk of Getting Stroke