According to the American Heart Association, nearly 7,00,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly heart attack and stroke each year. Heart attack and stroke — the two most common life-threatening medical emergencies — are often linked with one another and may share some similarities. However, they are different medical conditions that require a differential diagnosis for effective treatment.
For an individual experiencing a heart attack or stroke, the chances of survival and better recovery are hugely dependent on how quickly they receive medical attention. The fastest way to get life-saving treatment is to call 9-1-1 as soon as you notice the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke in a person. That is why recognizing the signs and symptoms of each is vital to ensure immediate treatment, which is what most CPR training programs in Colorado emphasize.
Here are the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke you should know:
Heart attack symptoms
Chest pain or discomfort: discomfort in the center of the chest that goes away and returns or lasts for more than a minute. It may feel like uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain.
Upper Body discomfort: it can include discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
Shortness of breath: if you experience shortness of breath accompanied with or without chest discomfort, call for help immediately.
Other signs: they may include cold sweat, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, or pain radiating down the left arm.
Stroke Symptoms- To spot a stroke, remember F.A.S.T;
- Face Drooping: Is one side of the face drooping or numb?
- Arm Weakness: Is there weakness or numbness in one arm?
- Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, or can they speak properly? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like “Apple is red.” Can they repeat it correctly?
- Time to Call 9-1-1: If you or anyone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s high time to call 9-1-1 or reach emergency care immediately.
Other signs: may include sudden loss of balance, dizziness, poor coordination, trouble seeing in one, or both eyes.
Final noteThe first step to saving someone who is experiencing a heart attack or stroke is to learn the symptoms of both the conditions and knowing when to call 9-1-1 immediately for help.
If you want to learn the life-saving skill of CPR, or become a CPR trainer, feel free to get in touch with us to know about the best CPR class in Denver, Colorado.