The number one leading cause of death around the world is cardiovascular disease. Although many people think about cancer when they think about deadly diseases, cardiac problems claim more people’s lives than every type of cancer combined. Included among the mix is not only a heart attack, it is also sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.
The American Heart Association came out with some statistics in 2016 that are quite alarming. Worldwide, there are 17.3 million deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease alone. 2,200 Americans die every day, which is the same as saying 40 people every second. Those people die from a stroke, heart attack or cardiac disease.
It is important to be educated about these facts as well as many other factors concerning heart health issues. You should also know that there is a difference between a stroke, heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. Most people tend to lump them together in the same group but understanding the differences may actually save a life.
Here are the differences between strokes, heart attacks and cardiac arrest and the symptoms of each.
1. Heart attack: When heart flow to the blood is blocked, a heart attack occurs. It may take place when a blood clot forms in an artery that is already clogged with plaque. When the heart is deprived of oxygen as a result of the blocked artery, it leads to a heart attack.
Symptoms: Tightness or pressure in the chest area, body aches, chest pain, pain radiating to the back, upper arms or jaw, cold sweats, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety.
2. Stroke: When the blood flow to the brain is blocked, or if a blood vessel ruptures and stops the flow of blood to the brain, it leads to a stroke. When the brain does not get enough oxygen from blood, the brain cells start to die.
Symptoms: Some of the symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, blurred vision, vomiting, loss of coordination, severe headache, excessive sweating, numbness, dizziness, mental confusion, face/leg/arm numbness, difficulty speaking. The symptoms may be more pronounced on one side of the body.
3. Cardiac arrest: This is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. It involves the electrical impulse activity in the heart, which keeps it beating continuously. If it is disrupted, no blood is reaching the brain or any other organs and the individual will pass out. If they are not treated promptly, they may die within a matter of minutes.
Symptoms: Symptoms of cardiac arrest will usually be seen in the minutes leading up to the incident. They may also be experienced immediately following a loss of consciousness. Those symptoms include shortness of breath, shallow breaths, gasping for air, trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness, sudden collapse, absence of breath, weak pulse, blacking out, fainting, no pulse and no response.
Via: Sun Gazing
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