Tiku Talsania, a veteran actor best known for his roles in legendary films such as Andaz Apna Apna, is in serious condition after suffering a brain stroke, as per reports. Initial reports claimed a heart attack, however his family corrected the facts. The recent event sparked curiosity about the differences between a brain stroke and a heart attack, two critical disorders that demand rapid medical attention but have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here’s everything you need to know about their differences.
What is a brain stroke? What is a heart attack?
Brain stroke: A brain stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, as per the US CDC. This can occur due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Without enough oxygen, brain cells start to die.
Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, generally by a clot, according to the UK NHS. This causes damage to the heart muscles as they are starved of oxygen.
Differences between brain stroke and heart attack
Area affected:
A stroke impacts the brain, affecting mobility, speech, and thinking.
A heart attack damages the heart, potentially affecting its pumping ability.
Cause:
Stroke: Blockage or bleeding in brain arteries.
Heart Attack: Blockage in the arteries supplying the heart.
Symptoms:
Stroke symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), trouble speaking, difficulty seeing, dizziness, and severe headache.
Heart attack symptoms: Chest pain or discomfort (may feel like squeezing), shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and pain in the arm, jaw, or back.
Symptoms to look out for
Recognising the symptoms early can save lives.
Stroke warning signs (Use FAST):
– Face drooping: Is one side of the face uneven?
– Arm weakness: Can the person lift both arms?
– Speech difficulty: Are words slurred or hard to understand?
– Time to call: If these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.
Heart attack warning signs:
– Tightness or pain in the chest, often spreading to the left arm.
– Sweating and shortness of breath.
– Feeling lightheaded or faint.
What to do?
For brain stroke:
Call an ambulance right away.
If the person is conscious, keep them calm and avoid giving food or drinks.
Note the time symptoms started—this helps doctors decide on treatments like clot-dissolving medications.
For heart attack:
Call emergency services immediately.
If the person is conscious, give them aspirin (if not allergic) to prevent further clotting.
Keep them calm and seated, and monitor their breathing.
