Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention

GetFitColville

Washington Health Foundation

February, 2011

What is a stroke or heart attack?

Heart attacks and strokes are common causes for disease and death in the U.S.  These are caused by blockages, usually from atherosclerosis, in the arteries that supply the brain and the heart.  When cholesterol, a clot, a hemorrhage, or combination of these things plugs a blood vessel supplying these organs, part of the brain or heart cannot survive, unless blood supply is rapidly restored.  The damage done to the brain or heart is called a stroke or heart attack.

What happens when someone has a stroke or heart attack?

The damage to the brain caused by a stroke results in a variety of neurological symptoms, which may include loss of speech or vision, weakness on one side of the face or body, loss of coordination, memory, or sensation, depending on the part of the brain that is injured.  The damage to the heart can result in shortness of breath, inability to exercise, or congestive heart failure.  Either a heart attack or stroke can result in death.

How do I know if I am having a heart attack or stroke?

Warning signs for stroke include sudden, severe headache, or more commonly, painless weakness, loss of speech, or incoordination.  If these occur, it is important to seek immediate medical help. 

Warning signs for a heart attack may include chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion.  Pain in the upper abdomen, shoulder, either arm or neck or back could signal a heart attack, especially if these occur with exertion.   Other symptoms may include nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or sweating.  When these occur, it is important to seek medical help immediately, since time is vital to saving the heart from further damage.

How do I prevent a heart attack or stroke?

Prevention is very important, since 1/3 of heart attacks result in sudden death, and strokes can be deadly as well.  Of those who survive heart attacks and strokes, many are crippled by a weakened heart or injured brain.

There are several important risk factors for these diseases that can be reduced by lifestyle practices.  Common risk factors for either include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity.  To prevent these conditions, exercise regularly, keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, maintain an ideal body weight and eat plenty of green and yellow vegetables and fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and other whole foods.  Drink plenty of water, get a moderate amount of sunlight, monitor cholesterol to make sure it is under control, and quit smoking.  Watch for the warning signs mentioned above, and stay healthy and fit.

From all of us at GetFitColville and Washington Health Foundation,

We wish you excellent health, a strong heart and a healthy mind for all of your life.