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and Heart Attack Symptoms Differ
You may be familiar with the signs of a heart
attack, but do you know the signs of a stroke?
Heart attacks and strokes have similar causes,
but the two have different symptoms. If you
think you or someone you know is having a heart
attack or stroke, call 911
Heart attacks are caused
when blood vessels to the heart are blocked,
either by a blood clot or by a constricted
vessel. The same blood vessel blockage happens
during a stroke, except it's in the brain
instead of the heart. No matter where the
blockage happens, extensive damage can occur
when blood is blocked from the
Symptoms of a stroke include
numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,
especially on one side of the body; sudden
confusion; difficulty talking or comprehending;
difficulty seeing; dizziness, loss of balance or
difficulty with walking; and sudden, severe
Use the acronym "FAST" to
detect signs of a stroke.
F: Face. See if
the side of a person's face droops when trying
A: Arms. Check if one arms droops
when the person lifts both arms.
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Listen for slurred words.
T: Time. If a
person shows any of these symptoms, it's
important to get to the hospital right away.
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In Great Health is one in a series
of Avera eNewsletters that gives readers
valuable information about health and wellness
at Avera facilities. It is not intended to
replace personal medical advice, which should be
obtained directly from a