What is the Difference Between Stroke vs Heart Attack?

Current developments in science and electronics have brought us numerous gadgets or products that minimize our activities which actually serve as our mini exercise. Some of these gadgets are cars, gas stoves, air conditioners and the like. If these products were not invented, we should be walking or maybe riding our bicycle while going to work or working to cut some logs just to cook our dinner. A decrease in daily activities and at the same time eating the wrong type of foods can predispose one to a stroke and a heart attack. What is a stroke vs heart attack?

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is a decrease in brain function brought about by the decrease in blood supply to the brain. This may be due to ischemia or hemorrhage. Ischemia is the lack of blood flow brought about by arterial blockage. Hemorrhage is another term for bleeding. When the brain is deprived with oxygen, the brain cells starts to die as so as its function. Brain cells do not multiple just like the skin cells. When they are damaged, they will forever be damaged.

Stroke is considered a medical emergency. It can cause permanent neurological deficits. Statistics reveal that it is the leading cause of adult disability in Europe and the United States while second in the leading cause of death worldwide.

There are factors that increase one’s risk in experiencing stroke and these are the following: hypertension, advance age, previous stroke, high cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and cigarette smoking.

Symptoms of stoke depends on the area of the brain affected. Some of the symptoms that are seen in patients with stroke are the following: facial asymmetry, body weakness or paralysis, difficulty in generating words, incomprehensible speech, and decrease in vision.

On the other hand, heart attack or myocardial infarction is the interruption of blood supply on the heart muscles causing the heart muscles to die. Like the brain, once the heart muscles die, it would not regenerate on its own. Common cause of blood interruption in heart attack is the occlusion of the coronary artery which is brought about by the formation of atherosclerotic plaque which is made up of lipids and white blood cells. If the heart muscles are continuously deprived of oxygen, they would die and decrease the function of the heart.

Heart attack is the leading cause of death among men and women worldwide. Risk factors include advance age, tobacco smoking, high lipid level, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and stress.

Symptoms of heart attack are as follows: chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, anxiety, palpitations and sweating.

Treatment for both stroke and heart attack depends on the current situation and patient’s needs.