Coronary artery disease is the main cause of heart attacks. When plaque builds up in our arteries, our risk for a heart attack increases. As plaque continues to build, blood has less room to flow, and eventually the plaque can erupt. Sever spasms or sudden contractions of a coronary artery can also stop blood flow to the heart muscle and cause a heart attack, but this is less common.

Stroke

What is a Stroke?

A stroke involves an interruption of blood flow in the brain.

Three main types of strokes: Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, and Transient Ischemic Attacks

Ischemic strokes are the most common type and occur when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked, usually because of a blood clot.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur in the brain. An artery in the brain leaks blood or breaks open, and the leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells. The two types of hemorrhagic strokes are:

Intracerebral. Most common. Occurs when an artery in the brain bursts, flooding the surrounding tissue with blood.
Subarachnoid. Less common. Refers to bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are sometimes referred to as “mini-strokes.” The blood flow to the brain is blocked only for a short time, usually about 5 minutes or less. TIAs are usually a warning sign of a future stroke, and although referred to as a “mini-stroke” are still a medical emergency and require emergency care.

What are the Common Symptoms of a Stroke?

Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.

Balance. Has the person suddenly lost their coordination or balance?

Eyes. Is the person suddenly experiencing double vision or vision loss in one or both eyes?

Face. Is one side of their face drooping? Ask the person to smile.

Arms. Is one arm drifting downwards? Have the person raise both arms in the air.

Speech. Is their speech slurred or are they having difficulty getting the words out? Have the person repeat a simple phrase.

Time. If the person is experiencing or showing any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Additional Symptoms

Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg
Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

What are the Main Causes of a Stroke?

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

Brain Aneurysm

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

A ballooning or bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, usually caused by a weakness in the walls of the blood vessel. It isn’t always clear, however, what causes the weakness.

What are the Common Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?

Unruptured Aneurysm

Loss of vision or double vision
Pain above or around the eyes
Numbness or weakness on 1 side of the face
Difficulty speaking
Headaches
Loss of balance
Difficulty concentrating or problems with short-term memory

Leaking Aneurysm

An aneurysm may leak a slight amount of blood, but a severe rupture often follows leaking.

Sudden, extremely severe headache

Ruptured Aneurysm

Sudden, extremely severe headache – often described as “the worst headache ever”
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light
Seizure
A drooping eyelid
Loss of consciousness
Confusion

While most brain aneurysms don’t rupture or cause health problems or symptoms, a ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and emergency medical treatment is needed.

What are the Main Causes of a Brain Aneurysm?

The cause is generally unclear, but some factors can increase the risk for a brain aneurysm to develop.

Older age
Cigarette smoking
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Drug abuse, particularly the use of cocaine
Heavy alcohol consumption

This blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions or illnesses or act as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your health.