Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Stroke

If you had heart disease, would you recognize the symptoms? You might be thinking, “Of course!” Many people are familiar with the scene of a man clutching his chest and falling to the ground, but there’s plenty more you need to know.
While there are many similarities in the symptoms of heart disease in men and women, there are even more differences – differences that could save, or end your life if you don’t know them. So before you pass that jaw pain off as the result of sleeping funny or lightheadedness as something a snack or rest can fix, learn the symptoms. And don’t ignore them.
 We women sure know a lot of numbers by heart, like phone numbers, birthdays, pin numbers and passwords. But do you know the most critical numbers for your heart health? That knowledge could just save your life.

That's why Go Red For Women and The Heart Truth are encouraging all women to schedule a visit with their doctor to learn their personal health numbers including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI) and assess their risk for heart disease and stroke.

It’s time to learn the most critical numbers in Your life. Your heart depends on it.
01.
risk factors
what you can & can't control

Some risk factors you can't do anything about. But others you can treat, manage or control with the help of your healthcare provider. Those you can’t change, like your Family History, are still important when assessing your risk for Heart Disease and Stroke.

Additional tools and resources for healthcare professionals can be found here.
O
risk factors that can be managed

You can control or treat these risk factors with lifestyle changes and your healthcare provider's help:

    | High blood pressure
    | Smoking
    | High blood cholesterol
    | Lack of regular activity
    | Obesity or overweight
    | Diabetes

O
risk factors you can't control

You can't change these risk factors:

    | Age
    | Gender
    | Heredity (family health history)
    | Race
    | Previous stroke or heart attack

Take the Risk Factors Quiz
Take the Risk Factors Quizespañol
Learn More About Warning Signs
Learn More About Warning Signsespanol
02.
know your numbers

Knowing your numbers is important! The American Heart Association recommends that you be aware of five key numbers: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good) Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI).

These numbers are important because they will allow you and your heathcare provider to determine your risk for developing Cardiovascular Disease by Atherosclerosis. This includes conditions such as Angina (chest pain), Heart Attack, Stroke (caused by Blood Clots) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Learn about your health numbers by scheduling a Well-Woman Visit with your healthcare provider today. Learn more about Well-Woman Visits here.

Ideal numbers for most adults are:

    CategoryIdeal Number (Less than)
    total cholesterol / hdl(good cholesterol)Get your cholesterol checked and talk to your doctor about your numbers and how they impact your HDL (good) cholesterol and your overall risk
    blood pressure120/80 mm/hg
    fasting blood sugar100 mg/dl
    body mass index (BMI)25 kg/m2

live better with life's simple 7. know your heart score.
Heart logo

My Life Check® was designed by the American Heart Association with the goal of improved health by educating the public on how best to live. These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. Start with one or two. This simple, seven-step list has been developed to deliver on the hope we all have--to live a long, productive healthy life.

    my heart scoreenglish my heart scoreespanol

03.
take action with life's simple
7
Heart
1. manage blood pressure

High Blood Pressure is a major risk factor for Heart Disease and Stroke. When your Blood Pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys, which keeps you healthier longer.
Learn how to manage your blood pressure
Blood Droplets
2. control cholesterol

High Cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog Arteries and lead to Heart Disease and Stroke. When you control your Cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
Learn how to control your cholesterol
Blood Droplet
3. reduce blood sugar

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of Blood Sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Learn how to reduce your blood sugar
Running Woman
4. get active

Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.
learn how to get active
Food
5. eat better

A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting Cardiovascular Disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy - for life!
Learn how to eat better
Scale
6. lose weight

When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You give yourself the gift of active living, you lower your Blood Pressure and you help yourself feel better, too.
Learn how to lose weight
Cigarette
7. stop smoking

Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

Sweating. Pressure. Nausea. Jaw pain. Believe it or not, these are all symptoms of a heart attack in women. They are also symptoms that women often brush off as the flu, stress or simply feeling under the weather—which could put their lives in jeopardy.
“I really couldn’t believe this happened to me,” says survivor Amy Heinl. “I thought of myself as a healthy person, and was exercising when [my heart attack] happened.”
Whether it’s disbelief, lack of awareness or misdiagnosis, dismissing the symptoms of a heart attack can delay critical, life-saving actions. Being able to recognize the warning signs and act quickly, however, can save a life.

Causes of a heart attack in women

Heart attacks occur when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked by a buildup of plaque in coronary arteries. While the initial causation can often be pinned on the usual suspects—heavy smokers, people with high-stress lifestyles, or those who are excessively overweight—the not-so-usual suspects can also be at high risk for heart attack.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, which is why it is imperative that women learn the warning signs and symptoms, see a doctor regularly, and learn their family history.

Symptoms of a heart attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

What to do during a heart attack

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

• Do not wait to call for help. Dial 9-1-1, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.
• Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
• Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders.

Why it’s important to know the symptoms of a heart attack

Women who consider themselves healthy often misdiagnose the symptoms of a heart attack because they don’t think it could happen to them. That is why it’s crucial to learn about heart disease and stroke, know your numbers, live a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of the risk factors of heart disease.
 Symptoms of a Stroke


If you’re like many women, chances are you go to great lengths not to burden those around you. But the signs of stroke demand immediate attention, even if it seems like the worst possible timing.

Shermane Winters-Wofford remembers the symptoms of her stroke like it was yesterday. On a first date at a nice restaurant, she was all butterflies and excitement. But as soon as Shermane and her date were seated at the table, she began sweating and her chest tightened as though her heart were in a vice. This wasn’t just first-date jitters.

“I was so scared,” she says. “I was scared and anxious at the same time. I was completely ignorant to what was going on. I didn’t understand it.”

When her vision began to blur and she was unable to lift her arm, Shermane’s date offered to take her to the hospital. But she didn’t want to be any trouble.

Less than an hour later, she went to the emergency room and learned she had suffered a stroke. Like many women, Shermane had always considered herself perfectly healthy and didn’t take the time to learn the warning signs. By ignoring them, she could have lost her life.
Signs that you may be having a stroke:

    Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
    Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
    Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
    Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    Sudden severe headache with no known cause

You should never wait more than five minutes to dial 9-1-1 if you experience even one of the signs above. Remember, you could be having a stroke even if you’re not experiencing all of the symptoms. And remember to check the time. The responding emergency medical technician or ER nurse at the hospital will need to know when the first symptom occurred.

Stroke is not only the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, it’s also a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. That’s why it’s important to take action immediately. Research conducted by The American Stroke Association shows that patients who take a clot-busting drug, or thrombolytic, within three hours of their first stroke symptom can reduce long-term disability from ischemic stroke – the most common type, accounting for about 87 percent of all cases.

When you know the signs of stroke, the life you save could be your own or someone else’s – as was the case with Shermane’s attentive date. Learn to spot the signs of stroke, or spot a stroke F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) with the help of our mobile app for iphone/ipad. Your life is in your hands!

Learn more about your risk for heart disease and stroke as well as  factors that increase your risk.

Heart attacks and strokes are life-threatening medical emergencies. They may share some similarities, but they are very different medical conditions. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of each to ensure immediate treatment.
The quicker a heart attack or stroke is recognized, the better the chances of survival and a full recovery.

Contents of this article:

1. What is a heart attack?
2. What is a stroke?
3. Symptoms of heart attacks and strokes
4. Treatment for heart attack and stroke

What is a heart attack?

When the blood flow to the coronary artery is reduced or blocked, a heart attack occurs.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a coronary artery is reduced or blocked. This can stop the flow of blood to the heart.
Coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood flow can become narrow due to the buildup of substances including fat and cholesterol. These substances are referred to as plaque.
Plaque buildup typically occurs over several years. If a plaque in a heart artery breaks, a blood clot forms around it. This blood clot formation can obstruct the normal blood flow to the heart muscle.
As a result, part of the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. This part begins to die if the blockage is not treated quickly. Scar tissue begins to replace healthy heart tissue. Damage or death to the heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients results in a heart attack.
According to the American Heart Association, someone in the United States has a heart attack every 43 seconds.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted, reduced, or blocked. This deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and other essential nutrients.
A blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot.
Any brain cells that are deprived of oxygen begin to die. This sudden death can happen within minutes. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is commonly referred to as a "mini-stroke" and is caused by a temporary clot.

Symptoms of heart attacks and strokes

The most common symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Upper body discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Light-headedness or dizziness

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and experience what is called a "silent heart attack."
Stroke symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is damaged. Patients can have a number of problems including memory, speech, muscle control, and other functions.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or blocked.

Common stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, which tends to occur more on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache, which may also include vomiting, dizziness, or altered consciousness

Common risk factors

Factors linked with a higher risk of heart attack or stroke that cannot be helped include age, family history of stroke or heart attack, race, and gender. People who have had a prior stroke, mini-strokes, or a heart attack are at an increased risk of having another one.
Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Overweight and obesity
• Diabetes
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Drug and alcohol abuse

Similar medical conditions and symptoms

It is important to diagnose a heart attack or stroke correctly. There are other medical conditions that have similar symptoms and can affect the heart. These conditions include:

• Angina - a symptom of coronary artery disease that causes chest pain or discomfort due to the heart muscle not getting enough blood. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest area.
• Aortic aneurysm and dissection - an enlargement that can burst or tear in the aorta, the main artery in the body.
• Arrhythmias - irregular or unusually fast or slow heartbeats. These can develop into more serious medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which can cause a stroke.
• Blood clot in the lung

Severe heartburn or acid reflux can also feel like a heart attack by causing severe chest pain. Panic disorders, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress can also cause chest pain in some people.
It is important to seek emergency medical treatment for chest pain to be sure it is not a heart attack or another serious medical condition.
Though there are some tell-tale signs of strokes, there are some other conditions such as migraines, headaches, and seizures that can present similar symptoms. Other medical conditions that can mimic strokes include:

• Brain tumors - a mass present on the brain tissue. People can experience headaches, weakness, loss of feeling in the arms or legs, problems walking, and changes in vision and speech.
• Bell's palsy - a condition caused by damage to a nerve outside the brain. This can lead to paralysis or weakening of muscles on one side of the face and facial drooping.
• Multiple sclerosis - a disease caused by inflammatory injury to the brain.

If a person has stroke-like symptoms, it is important to call for help immediately. The sooner treatment can begin, the lower the risk of possible brain damage.

Treatment for heart attack and stroke

If a heart attack or stroke is suspected, medical treatment should be started right away, often before the diagnosis has been confirmed.
Doctors often give aspirin to stroke and heart attack patients to help prevent further blood clotting. Many people who are at risk of a heart attack or stroke or who have had one in the past take aspirin on a daily basis.
Other treatments for a heart attack include:

• Clot-busting medication
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Nitroglycerin
• Oxygen therapy
• Treatment for chest pain
• Medical procedures such as surgery
• Heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as diet or exercise
• Cardiac rehabilitation

The type of treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke a person has suffered. Common treatments include:

• Clot-busting drugs and other medicines
• Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
• Mechanical clot removal
• Surgery

The overall impact and treatment for the stroke depend on the area of the brain involved and the amount of tissue damage. A doctor will decide if this is necessary and if any additional treatment is needed.

Prevention

There are things that people can do to try and reduce their risk of having a heart attack or stroke. As some risk factors cannot be controlled, it is important to understand how to lower the risk.

A well-balanced diet and exercise are a vital part of reducing heart attack and stroke risk.

Tips for reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke include:

• Not smoking
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Managing blood sugar levels
• Keeping stress levels low
• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
• Avoiding drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines

Leading a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise is another vital part of reducing the risk. People who have had previous heart or stroke problems may also want to include a dose of aspirin into their daily regimen.

What to do in an emergency situation

Heart disease includes stroke and heart attacks. According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. It claims more lives than all forms of cancer involved. Every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. dies from a heart-related disease.
According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. It is the number five cause of death in the country.
Treatment for heart attacks and strokes must be given quickly to prevent further damage and complications. Dangerous complications of stroke include severe bleeding and swelling in the brain. These can lead to more blots clots and even additional strokes.
F.A.S.T. is a common and easy way to help remember the signs of a stroke:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

If someone experiences any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke for more than a few minutes, call emergency medical services immediately. Quick action could save a life.

Written by Brian Wu

 

Question: What is the difference between angina, heart attack, and stroke?

Answer: Angina and heart attack are two manifestations in the continuum of the same disease. Angina is a situation where there is a demand-supply imbalance, and the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen, is not getting enough fresh blood. And so the heart muscle is crying out for help, and sometimes it presents as chest pain, sometimes it presents as jaw pain. When the heart muscle continues to be deprived of oxygen and fresh blood, that muscle ends up dying, and when that muscle dies, we call it a heart attack.

An example would be if you're into fishing, or you have seen people fish. When you catch a fish, and you take the fish out of the water, the fish is struggling, and there are two things you can do. One is you can put the fish back in water. If you put the fish back in water, the fish survives -- that is angina. So if we give medications or we restore blood supply, the heart muscle survives. If you take the fish out while it's struggling, and you put it in your basket, the fish dies, and that is then heart attack.

Stroke is completely different. Stroke has nothing to do, or has very little to do, with the heart. It is more of a deprivation of blood supply to the brain, and brain cells then either die, or they struggle, and that results in a stroke.