What is the difference between a stroke and a heart attack?

There is always confusion between A stroke and a heart attack. People think that both are the same. They are the same in a way that both are caused due to the lack of blood flow or a blockage of blood in critical parts of the body.

A stroke is caused due to the blockage of blood in the brain while the reason for a heart attack is the blockage of blood in the arteries.

What are the symptoms of a stroke and a heart attack?

Symptoms of a stroke

• Loss of balance due to unexpected dizziness or unconsciousness.
• Headache (Severe)
• Blurred vision in both eyes.
• Numbness of limbs or face (on one side of the body)
• Difficulty in speaking
• Difficulty in understanding communications

One can remember the symptoms and how to respond by using a mnemonic FAST which means

• F – Facial drooping
• A – Arm weakness
• S – Speech complications
• T – Time in which one must take medical attention

Symptoms of a heart attack

• Shortness of breath
• Chest Pain and tightness
• Weakness or Dizziness
• Pain in the arm or shoulders
•  Pain in Jaw, Neck or back
• Nausea or Vomiting (In some cases)

If the patient is having breathlessness then CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should be performed. You can also give Aspirin to the patient while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.