February 19, 2019
HEART ATTACK OR STROKE?
ThedaCare Nurse Practitioner Explains Signs and Symptoms
NEW LONDON, Wis. – Cardiovascular disease includes heart attack (coronary artery disease), high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, and brain attack (stroke), according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In both Wisconsin and the United States, heart disease is the number one cause of death and stroke is the number five cause of death.
Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke? Would you recognize the difference?
“Call 911; that’s the most important first reaction,” said Tina Bettin, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber, at ThedaCare Physicians-Manawa. “No matter what type of cardiovascular event a person is experiencing, getting professional medical assistance as soon as possible is critical.”
Common symptoms of a heart attack:
- Center chest discomfort – pressure, squeezing, or pain that may/may not be constant
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – jaw, arm(s), neck, center of the upper back or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Common symptoms of a stroke:
- Face drooping – one side of the face drooping or numb
- Numbness or weakness, especially in face, arm or legs
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
“A quick response is vital to prevent death or further damage to the heart or brain in either situation,” said Bettin.
Bettin explained symptoms can come on quickly and without warning. She adds the severity of symptoms depends on age, gender and overall health. Many times, people will downplay the symptoms, but with serious health issues, quickly seeing a healthcare provide is essential.
“People suffering a stroke may not experience pain, but that doesn’t make their situation any less life threatening. Don’t be tempted to drive someone to the hospital; get professional medical personnel on the scene as quickly as possible. Minutes count.”
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization serves a community of more than 600,000 residents and employs more than 6,700 healthcare professionals throughout the regions. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 31 clinics in nine counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service.
For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
Media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public Relations Specialist at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
