Heart Disease & Stroke:
A detailed guide
Heart Disease
What is Heart Disease?
The blanket term ‘heart disease’ refers to several types of heart conditions, each of which has its own treatment and symptoms.
In general, heart disease refers to any disorder that affects the heart, its vessels, muscles, valves, or internal electric pathways responsible for muscular contraction.
Common Forms of Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
With CAD, blockages may form in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart. This can lead to chest pains (angina) or a heart attack.
Heart arrhythmia
This is when your heart has an irregular beating pattern. Serious arrhythmias sometimes develop on their own, but more commonly stem from other heart problems.
Heart failure
This is when your heart doesn’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, and is usually caused by CAD. It can also stem from thyroid disease, high blood pressure, heart muscle disease and some other conditions.
Heart valve disease
An abnormality may make it hard for a valve to open and close properly, leading to heart valve disease. This can cause blocked blood flow and blood leakage. Heart valve diseases include endocarditis, an infection usually caused by bacteria, and rheumatic heart disease, a condition that arises when your heart is damaged by rheumatic fever.
Pericardial disease
This is any disease affecting your pericardium, the sac that surrounds your heart. This is usually caused by a viral infection, an inflammatory disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or a pericardial injury.
Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
Congenital heart disease
This occurs when something goes wrong while a baby’s heart is still forming in the womb. While this can lead to problems immediately after birth, symptoms sometimes only show as an adult.
General symptoms of heart disease
Heart diseases can often be ‘silent’, only being diagnosed when a patient experiences symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure or arrhythmia. Some of these symptoms are shown below:
Chest pain or discomfort
Upper back or neck pain
Indigestion
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Extreme fatigue
Upper body discomfort
Dizziness
Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
Swelling of the abdomen
Swelling of neck veins
Heart disease risk factors
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Being overweight / obese
An unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol use
What is Heart Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
This is the most common type of heart disease, and occurs when you get blockages in your coronary arteries.
This leads to a decrease in the flow of blood to your heart muscle, stopping it from getting the oxygen it needs. The most common symptom is a pain in your chest, known as angina, which leads to a heart attack.
Risk factors for CAD
- Age – For men, the risk goes up significantly after 55, and after menopause for women
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Family history or CAD
Genetics - High blood pressure
- High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, or low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress
Tests and treatments for heart attack
There are a number of tests one can undergo to diagnose a heart attack:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Sticky patches are placed on the body to detect signals, which are displayed on a monitor. These signals will show whether the patient is having a heart attack or not.
Blood tests
Certain heart proteins slowly leak into the blood after damage from a heart attack, and blood tests can check for these proteins.
Chest X-ray
This shows the condition and size of the heart and lungs, enabling a diagnosis.
Echocardiogram
Sound waves (ultrasound) create images of the moving heart, showing how blood moves through the heart and valves, which helps identify if an area of the heart as been damaged.
Coronary catheterisation (angiogram)
A long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery, usually in the leg, and guided to the heart. Dye is pumped through the catheter, which helps the arteries show up clearly during testing.
Cardiac CT or MRI
These tests create images of the heart and chest. Cardiac CT scans use X-rays, while cardiac MRI tests use a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the heart. These enable healthcare professionals to diagnose heart problems and assess the severity of heart damage.
Each minute after a heart attack, more heart tissue dies, as it is not receiving oxygen. Urgent treatment is needed to ensure the heart gets the oxygen it needs as quickly as possible. Once a patient is diagnosed with a heart attack, the following medicines are available for daily treatment and prevention:
Each minute after a heart attack, more heart tissue dies, as it is not receiving oxygen. Urgent treatment is needed to ensure the heart gets the oxygen it needs as quickly as possible. Once a patient is diagnosed with a heart attack, the following medicines are available for daily treatment and prevention:
- Aspirin
- Clot busters
- Blood thinning medication
- Nitroglycerine
- Morphine
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Statins
In more severe cases, surgery will be required, and the following options are available according to the patient’s needs:
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting: A small wire mesh tube is placed in the patient’s heart to keep the affected artery open
- Coronary artery bypass surgery: A healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of your body to create a new path for blood to travel in the heart, moving around the blocked artery
What to do after experiencing a heart attack
Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalised exercise and education programme that teaches you ways to improve heart health, especially after heart surgery. This programme focuses on exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, and a gradual return to your usual activities. Sticking to the programme generally helps patients live longer, and minimises the risk of another heart attack or related complications.
Heart Arrhythmias
This occurs when your heart has an irregular beating pattern. Serious arrhythmias sometimes develop on their own, but more commonly stem from other heart problems. Certain types of arrhythmias can be linked to strokes.
What to do after experiencing a heart attack
Fluttering feeling in your chest
Racing of your heart
Slow heartbeat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Fatigue
Dizziness
Fainting
Causes of heart arrhythmia
- Current heart attack or scarring from a previous heart attack
- Blocked arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)
- Changes to the heart’s structure, such as from cardiomyopathy
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Infection with COVID-19
- Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Sleep apnoea
- Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Certain medications, including cold and allergy drugs bought without a prescription
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
- Drug abuse
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Stress or anxiety
How to reduce your risk of heart arrhythmia
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Reducing stress, as intense stress and anger can cause heart rhythm problems
- Using medications as directed and telling your doctor about all the medicines you take, including those bought without a prescription
Treatments for heart arrhythmia
- Medications can be prescribed to control your heart rate, depending on the type of arrhythmia you have. Blood thinners can also be prescribed.
- Certain therapies, such as Vagal manoeuvres, affect your nervous system and control your heartbeat. Cardioversion, on the other hand, delivers an electrical shock to your heart using paddles or patches.
In serious cases, surgery may be required.
Catheter ablation
One or more catheters are threaded through the blood vessels to the heart. Electrodes at the catheter tips use heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in your heart, blocking abnormal electrical signals and restoring a normal heartbeat.
Pacemaker
If slow heartbeats (bradycardias) don’t have a cause that can be corrected, doctors often treat them with a pacemaker, a small device that is implanted near the collarbone. If the heart rate is too slow or if it stops, the pacemaker sends out electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat at a steady rate.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
An ICD is a battery-powered unit that’s implanted under the skin near the collarbone — similar to a pacemaker. One or more electrode-tipped wires from the ICD run through veins to the heart. The ICD continuously monitors your heart rhythm. If it detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it sends out low- or high-energy shocks to reset the heart to a normal rhythm.
Coronary bypass surgery
This is particularly for cases in which CAD is experienced alongside arrhythmia. A healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of your body to create a new path for blood to travel in the heart, moving around the blocked artery.
Heart failure
Common symptoms of heart failure
Shortness of breath
Build-up of fluid, usually in the lungs, legs or ankles (oedema)
Feeling out of breath when lying down (orthopnoea)
Tiredness and fatigue
Light-headedness and dizziness, brought on by low blood pressure
Causes of heart failure
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Abnormal heart valves
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Obesity and diabetes
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, or illicit drug use
Some viral illnesses
Some genetic or inherited syndromes
Treatments for heart failure
Depending on your type of heart failure, several prescription medications are available to improve the heart’s ability to pump blood. It is crucially important to stick to any medication schedule your doctor prescribes.
Various lifestyle changes may further assist in minimising the impact of heart failure.
Eating less salt
Reducing fluid intake
Adopting a heart-healthy diet
Losing excess weight
Exercising regularly
Avoiding alcohol
Quitting smoking
Heart valve disease
Heart valve disease occurs when your heart’s valves do not work correctly. Common causes of heart valve disease include rheumatic fever, birth defects, degeneration over time and infection.
Common symptoms of heart valve disease
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Palpitations (skipped beats or flip-flop feeling in the chest)
- Oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen)
- Weakness or dizziness
- Rapid weight gain
- Chest discomfort
Treatments for heart valve disease
- Protecting your heart valve from further damage
- Medication
- Surgery or invasive procedures, if necessary
- Regular check-ups with your heart doctor
Protecting your heart valve from further damage
If you have heart valve disease, you should talk to your doctor about the increased risk of getting infective endocarditis. This infection can greatly damage or destroy your heart valves, and can be fatal. Preventative measures include:
- Telling your doctor and dentist you have heart valve disease
- Calling your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection
- Taking good care of your teeth and gums
- Taking antibiotics before any dental procedures, major or minor surgeries, or invasive tests
Pericardial disease
Pericardial disease is infection of the outer sac which maintains and looks after your heart. This develops quickly and can last up to several months.
Causes of pericardial disease
Pericardial disease can be caused by a viral, fungal, parasitic or bacterial infection. You are at a higher risk of developing the disease after a heart attack, heart surgery or radiation therapy.
Treatments for pericardial disease
- Sharp and stabbing chest pain
- Chest hurts when you cough, swallow, take deep breaths or lie flat
- Chest pain feels better when you sit up and lean forward
- Pain in your back, neck or left shoulderTrouble breathing when you lie down
- A dry cough
- Anxiety or fatigue
- Swelling of the feet, legs and ankles (oedema)
Symptoms of pericardial disease
- Medication prescribed by your doctor
- Pericardiocentesis – the draining of excess fluid from within your heart sac
Once recovered, you can return to normal activity without any further concerns.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease of the myocardium, or heart muscle. In most cases, the heart muscle weakens and is unable to pump blood to the rest of the body as well as it should.
Normal heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy
- General weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or exercise
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting spells
- High blood pressure
- A bloated abdomen
- Coughing when lying down
- Oedema, or swelling of your feet, ankles, legs, or other body parts
Causes of cardiomyopathy
- Inherited cardiomyopathy is when you’re born with the disease due to genes passed down from your parents
- Acquired cardiomyopathy means you developed the disease due to health conditions, other disease, or some type of illness, such as CAD, heart tissue damage after a heart attack, or infections in the heart muscle.
Risk factors for cardiomyopathy
- A family history of cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac arrest, or heart failure
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Chronic (long-term) high blood pressure
- Damage to the heart due to a heart attack
- Infections that cause inflammation of the heart
- Heart valve disorders
- COVID-19 infection
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Thyroid disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Sarcoidosis
- Hemochromatosis
- Amyloidosis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Use of cocaine or amphetamines
- Some types of cancer medications
- Exposure to toxins, such as poison or heavy metals
Treatments for cardiomyopathy
- Heart-healthy lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Surgically implanted devices
- Surgery
- Heart transplant
Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a general term used for a range of birth defects that affect the way the heart works. There is no obvious cause of this condition; however, there are factors that increase the likelihood of congenital heart disease.
Risk factors for congenital heart disease
- Baby has down syndrome
- Mother has an infection such as rubella
- Taking medication during pregnancy, such as statins and acne medications
- Smoking or drinking during pregnancy
- Mother has poorly-controlled diabetes
Symptoms of congenital heart disease in babies and children
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Swelling of the legs, tummy and around the eyes
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
- Blue tinge to the skin and lips
- Tiredness during feeding
Treatments for congenital heart disease
Mild cases often recover without the need of treatment, and may not cause future problems. However, in some cases, more serious interventions are necessary.
- Surgery: If the condition causes serious and significant problems, surgery may be required.
- Continuous treatment: People with this condition may need treatment throughout their lives, as it can result in serious problems with heart rhythm and valves in the future.
Heart disease and mental health are related
Mental health is an important part of overall health, and refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Mental health involves how we think, feel, act and make choices.
Mental health issues associated with heart disease
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic stress
How does mental health relate to heart disease?
People experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and even PTSD over a long period of time may experience certain physiologic effects on the body, such as increased cardiac reactivity (e.g., increased heart rate and blood pressure), reduced blood flow to the heart, and heightened levels of cortisol – all of which could ultimately lead to heart disease.
Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression may increase the chance of adopting behaviours such as smoking, an inactive lifestyle, or failure to take prescribed medications. This is because people experiencing a mental health disorder may have fewer healthy coping strategies for stressful situations, making it difficult for them to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk for heart disease.
Addressing mental health disorders early by providing access to appropriate services and support to increase healthy behaviours (e.g., increased physical activity, improved diet quality and reduced smoking) can reduce someone’s risk of developing heart disease.
Heart disease myth vs fact
Myth:
Chest pain is the only warning sign of a heart attack.
Fact:
Although it’s true that chest discomfort is often a sign of a heart attack, there are more subtle symptoms that can occur without any chest pressure or pain. You may experience pain or discomfort in your back, neck, jaw or in one or both of your arms. You may feel light-headed, short of breath and even nauseated. Take these symptoms seriously and seek medical help immediately!
Myth:
Heart disease runs in my family, so I can’t do anything to increase my heart’s health.
Fact:
Actually, you can do many things to help your heart’s health! Moderate exercise a few times a week, eating a healthy diet that’s low in fatty foods and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight are all within your control, and can help your heart healthier even though you’re at risk for heart disease. Just as importantly, if you’re a smoker, the sooner you stop smoking the better it is for your heart and your overall health.
Myth:
Heart failure means my heart has stopped beating.
Fact:
The heart stops beating during cardiac arrest. When you’re diagnosed with heart failure, this means that your heart is not functioning the way it’s supposed to and is having trouble pumping blood throughout your body. You may feel short of breath and notice swelling in your ankles or feet. You may also have a difficult time sleeping or feel like you need to sleep in a recliner rather than in your bed. This is because your blood is not being transported through your body effectively due to heart disease, something that is quite treatable but that requires medical attention.
Myth:
My heart is beating very fast. I must be having a heart attack.
Fact:
Your heart rate increases with moderate to strenuous exercise – even after walking briskly up a few flights of stairs! You may also feel as if your heart is ‘racing’ after having too much caffeine, and sometimes people experience palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, once in a while. This is not a cause for concern unless it’s very frequent and affects how well your heart works. If this is the case, you should see a cardiologist for treatment.
Myth:
The pain in my legs can’t have anything to do with my heart.
Fact:
Pain in the muscles of your legs could be an indicator of plaque build-up in your arteries, and is one of the more subtle signs of heart disease. People with this condition, called peripheral artery disease, are at a greater risk for heart attack or stroke. If you’re experiencing this symptom, you should schedule an appointment with your physician today, especially if you smoke or have diabetes. This is not a cause for concern unless it’s very frequent and affects how well your heart works. If this is the case, you should see a cardiologist for treatment.
Myth:
As long as I take my medication, diabetes won’t affect my heart.
Fact:
Diabetes and heart disease have coinciding risk factors, so even if your blood sugar level is under control, anyone with diabetes is more prone to develop cardiovascular disease. You can help lower your risk for heart problems if you stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise a few times a week, and eat a healthy diet. This is not a cause for concern unless it’s very frequent and affects how well your heart works. If this is the case, you should see a cardiologist for treatment.
Myth:
I don’t have to worry about heart disease until I’m older.
Fact:
Plaque starts building up in your arteries at a young age. This is especially true for those who have diabetes and smoke. It’s important to maintain good diet and exercise habits now, since what we put into our bodies and how we take care of ourselves affects us later in life. Even young people can have heart problems, obesity and diabetes. Staying active is vital, as is limiting your intake of sweets and fatty foods, and making healthier choices a daily habit.
Myth:
I shouldn’t exercise after having a heart attack.
Fact:
Being active helps to strengthen your heart! Your doctor will help you formulate an exercise plan that is right for you as you recover. You may begin with very light activity, such as walking around the block, then gradually increase the strenuousness of your exercise plan. Exercise not only can increase your life span after a heart attack, but has mental health benefits as well.
Stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs due to a decrease or blockage in the brain’s blood supply. A person experiencing a stroke needs immediate emergency treatment.
Common forms of strokes
There are 3 main types of strokes:
Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type of stroke, making up 87% of all cases, and occurs when a blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching an area of the brain.
Haemorrhagic stroke
This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. These are usually the result of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is inadequate for a brief period of time. Normal blood flow resumes after a short amount of time, and the symptoms resolve without treatment. Some people call this a ministroke.
Ischemic stroke
Haemorrhagic stroke
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Symptoms of a stroke
Confusion, including difficulty speaking and understanding speech
A headache, possibly with altered consciousness or vomiting
Numbness or an inability to move parts of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
Vision problems in one or both eyes
Difficulty walking, including dizziness and a lack of coordination
Symptoms vary in their severity.
Learning the acronym ‘BE FAST’ is a good way to remember the symptoms of a stroke, and can help a person seek prompt treatment.
Balance
Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?
Eyes
Is the person experiencing sudden blurred vision, double vision or blindness in one or both eyes?
Face
If the person tries to smile, does one side of their face droop?
Arm
If the person tries to raise both arms, does one arm drift downwards?
Speech
If the person tries to raise both arms, does one arm drift downwards?
Time to get help
If any of these symptoms are occurring, contact emergency services immediately.
The outcome of the patient depends on how quickly they receive treatment. Prompt care can further reduce the risk of permanent brain damage or death.
Treatments for a stroke
Rapid diagnosis is important to reduce brain damage, while enabling a doctor to treat the stroke using a suitable method according to its type.
Treatment for an ischemic stroke
Treatment starts with taking drugs that break down clots and prevent others from forming. A doctor may administer blood thinners such as aspirin or an injection of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA).
TPA is very effective at dissolving clots. However, the injection needs to take place within 4.5 hours of the stroke.
Emergency procedures include administering TPA directly into an artery in the brain, or using a catheter to physically remove the clot. Research is ongoing as to the benefits of these procedures.
Another option for an ischemic stroke is angioplasty. This involves a surgeon inflating a small balloon inside a narrowed artery using a catheter. Afterwards, a mesh tube or stent is inserted into the opening, preventing the artery from narrowing again.
Treatment for a haemorrhagic stroke
Treatment often begins with taking drugs that reduce pressure in the brain and control overall blood pressure, as well as preventing seizures and any sudden constrictions of blood vessels.
If a person is taking blood-thinning anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication, such as warfarin or clopidogrel, they can take other medications to counter the effects of the blood thinners.
Surgeons can repair some of the problems with blood vessels that have led or could lead to haemorrhagic strokes.
When an aneurysm — or a bulge in a blood vessel that may burst — causes a haemorrhagic stroke, a surgeon can place small clamps at the base of the aneurysm or fill it with detachable coils to stop the blood flow and shrink the aneurysm.
Rehabilitation after a stroke
Speech therapy
This helps with problems producing or understanding speech. Practice, relaxation and changing your communication style can all make communicating easier.
Physical therapy
This can help you relearn movement and coordination. It is important to stay active, even though this may be difficult at first.
Occupational therapy
This is designed to help you improve your ability to carry out daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, dressing, eating, reading and writing.
Support groups
Joining a support group can help you cope with common mental health issues that can occur after a stroke, such as depression. Many find it useful to share common experiences and exchange information.
Support from family and friends
Close friends and relatives should try to offer practical support and comfort after a stroke. Letting friends and family know what they can do to help is very important.
Rehabilitation after a stroke
Eating a healthy diet
Maintaining a moderate weight
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
Avoiding alcohol, or only drinking in moderation
Stroke risk factors
- Being overweight or obese
- Age – 55 years and older are more likely to experience a stroke
- Personal or family history of strokes
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease, carotid artery disease, or another vascular disease
- Inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Use of illicit drugs
Stroke risk factors
Myth:
You can’t do anything to prevent a stroke.
Fact:
The good news is that up to 80% of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association. Smart lifestyle choices that reduce stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes all lower your risk of having a stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a heart-healthy diet are other ways to help prevent a stroke and the cardiovascular disease that leads to strokes.
Myth:
A stroke is something that happens to your heart.
Fact:
A stroke affects the blood vessels of the brain and can lead to temporary or permanent brain damage. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either because a clot is blocking an artery or because an artery ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Myth:
There is no treatment for stroke.
Fact:
There are some extremely effective treatments for a stroke, and the sooner you seek medical treatment the better they work. Clot removal — using a device to enter the blocked artery and remove the blocking blood clot —is now the proven standard of care for stroke, with exceptional medical benefits. Tissue plasminogen (TPA) is a clot-dissolving drug that can break up a clot blocking blood flow to the brain. There are also a number of procedures to remove clots or to stop haemorrhagic strokes (those caused by bleeding into the brain).
Myth:
Aspirin is an effective home remedy for a stroke.
Fact:
Although it may be true that aspirin can be helpful in breaking up a clot during a heart attack, this is not always safe for a stroke. Aspirin could actually be harmful if you are having a stroke caused by bleeding into the brain. However, once stroke patients have been evaluated and started on aspirin by their doctors, aspirin is an excellent drug to stop another stroke from happening. This is not a cause for concern unless it’s very frequent and affects how well your heart works. If this is the case, you should see a cardiologist for treatment.
Myth:
Strokes only affects the elderly.
Fact:
A stroke can happen at any age, even in babies. In fact, the average age of stroke patients has been getting younger for more than a decade. Nearly 25% of strokes occur in people younger than 65. Younger people may dismiss symptoms more easily, however, thinking that they are too young to have a stroke.
Myth:
Women are not likely to have strokes.
Fact:
Strokes actually occur slightly more often in women than in men. One reason is that women tend to live longer, and risk of a stroke increases as age increases.
Myth:
Stroke recovery only occurs for the first few months following stroke.
Fact:
Recovery from a stroke is a lifelong process. Researchers continue to find new and better treatments to help the brain repair itself after a stroke.
Myth:
Stroke warning signs are difficult to recognise.
Fact:
The acronym BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to act) can help anyone identify up to 75% of strokes, even if you have no medical background or training. Look for problems with balance, sudden blurred or double vision or blindness in one or both eyes, a facial droop, a weak arm or leg, and speech that is slurred or garbled. ‘Time’ represents urgency – if you see any of these symptoms, get the person emergency care as soon as possible to minimise damage to the brain.
Some strokes, however, can happen suddenly, with no warning signs or symptoms. Rapid action to get medical care is essential is this case too.
Myth:
Strokes do not run in families.
Fact:
If your family has a history of strokes — especially parents or siblings — this increases your chance for having a stroke as well.
Myth:
If stroke symptoms go away, there’s nothing to worry about.
Fact:
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), sometimes called ministrokes, exhibit temporary stroke symptoms. They are warning signs before a stroke, and you should always contact your doctor if you experience slurred speech, sudden weakness in an arm or leg, or facial drooping. Paying attention to warning signs that go away may help prevent an actual stroke.
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