Would You Recognize the Signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke? | AFC Urgent Care Memphis
In our last blog, we talked you through ways you can improve your heart health.
As we continue through American Heart Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to continue providing you helpful information related to your heart. In this blog, we’re talking about heart attack and stroke.
Although the symptoms of heart attack and stroke can come about suddenly, the two conditions are completely different—both in their symptoms and in their cause. Let’s break down the two conditions:
Understanding Heart Attack
When heart attacks are depicted on TV or in the movies, you usually see sudden, intense chest pain. While that can be a symptom of heart attack, there also many other less obvious symptoms.
Other symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pressure and/or tightness
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
The less obvious symptoms of heart attack are more common among women, making it important for women to pay careful attention to their bodies.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any signs of heart attack.
Understanding Stroke
A stroke, also known as a “brain attack,” can cause a range of debilitating symptoms. Symptoms of a stroke can include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Problems seeing in one or both eyes
- Dizziness
- Trouble walking
- Loss of balance
- Lack of coordination
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any signs of stroke. Because stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain, prompt treatment is necessary to restore blood and oxygen flow.
Take Action to Prevent Heart Attack & Stroke
Since both heart attack and stroke occur because of blocked arteries, it is important to do what you can to keep your arteries clear.
For one, adopt healthy habits so you can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a healthy range.
Start here:
- Avoid smoking, or quit if you already smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your blood sugar level controlled.
- Exercise most days of the week.
- Decrease your intake of saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.
- Get plenty of quality sleep.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Find effective ways to manage stress.
Regular checkups are an important part of staying healthy—and knowing your risk for serious health issues. Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis today. No appointment is needed!