What You Need to Know About Heart Attacks And Strokes (And How to Prevent Them)

a blog by My Emergency Room Abilene

Jan. 04, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Exercise for Busy Professionals: How to Fit a Workout into Your Busy Schedule

Jan. 01, 2023

5 Simple Yet Effective Exercises You Can Do at Home

Dec. 23, 2022

Influenza: When to Get a Flu Shot

Dec. 20, 2022

What It’s Really Like to Be an ER Nurse

Dec. 13, 2022

What ER Capabilities Should You Expect in the Hospital of Your Choice?

There are few health conditions that strike as much fear as heart attacks and strokes. Both are common among the general population, with one in three people developing some form of atherosclerosis during their lifetime. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. These two medical emergencies have several overlapping risk factors. The most important thing you can do is maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about heart attacks and strokes and how to prevent them...

What’s the difference between a heart attack and a stroke?
A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked. This can happen when the build-up of plaque leads to a rupture in the vessel wall, forming a blood clot. If the clot breaks off, it travels through the bloodstream and can block smaller arteries, preventing blood from reaching the heart muscle. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in western countries, with about 50% of men and 30% of women dying as a result of the condition. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. It’s usually caused also by a blood clot, but it can also be caused by bleeding into the brain. When this happens, brain cells die because they aren’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, and it’s the second leading cause of disability.

So what actually is a heart attack?
As mentioned above, a heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked. The most common type of heart attack is when a blood clot forms in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Strategy: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to help prevent a heart attack.

Stroke symptoms
Claudication - This is a cramping pain in the legs that occurs when there’s a decrease in blood flow to the lower limbs. Many people with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) experience cramping when walking after sitting for a long period of time. Dizziness - If you have PVD, you might experience dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly or when you stand still for an extended period of time. Fainting - Fainting can be caused by an irregular heartbeat or a decrease in blood flow to the brain. Headaches - A sudden headache is a major sign of a stroke. Loss of balance - This is another symptom of a stroke. Vertigo - Vertigo is another symptom of a stroke.

Stroke risk factors
Heart Disease, if you have heart disease, your risk of having a stroke is high. If you want to reduce your risk of suffering a stroke, you should talk to your doctor about having regular check-ups. High Blood Pressure, if you have high blood pressure, it’s possible that you’ll develop aneurysms, which can lead to a stroke. If you have high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of having a stroke by taking medication. Diabetes, people with Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of having a stroke. If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s important that you keep your blood sugar levels under control.

How to prevent strokes and heart attacks
If you want to lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke, you’ll first need to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly. You should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. If you’re over the age of 40, you should get regular check-ups. If you have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Final words
If you want to live a long and healthy life, you need to take care of your body. Make sure you’re following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure you see your doctor to get it under control.