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

A heart attack and a stroke are both medical emergencies involving the circulatory system, but they affect different organs and have different underlying causes.

Heart Attack:

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a blood clot that forms in a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart muscle. The clot obstructs the artery, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle cells. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the affected part of the heart muscle begins to die, leading to permanent damage or even death.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach

• Lightheadedness or fainting

• Cold sweats

• Nausea or vomiting

Stroke:

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause brain cells to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke:

1. Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain or a vessel supplying blood to the brain. The clot can form either in the brain itself or in another part of the body and travel to the brain.

2. Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks blood into the surrounding brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes can be caused by high blood pressure, weakened blood vessel walls, or an aneurysm.

Common symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Both heart attacks and strokes require immediate medical attention. The sooner treatment is initiated, the better the chances of minimizing damage and improving recovery outcomes. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call emergency services right away.