Heart disease and stroke

Question 1

Explain the differences between heart attacks in men and women.

Answer 1

Common Symptoms in Both Men and Women:

1. Pain or discomfort in chest
2. Light-headness, nausea or vomiting
3. Jaw, neck or back pain
4. Discomfort or pain in arm or
   shoulder
5. Cold sweat
6. Shortness of breath

Women:
• Dizziness
• acid reflux,
• flu or even stress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances

Question 2

Heart attack vs stroke, how can you distinguish between them?

Answer 2

Heart Attack:

Symptoms often involve chest pain or discomfort, which may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Other signs may include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Primarily related to the heart and cardiovascular system.

Stroke:

Symptoms can include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headaches, and vision problems.
Typically, affects brain function and the nervous system.
Remember FAST: Face, Arm, Speech,

Time: for stroke recognition.
Distinguishing factor: Location of symptoms – heart for a heart attack, brain for a stroke. Seek immediate medical attention for both.

Question 3

What is Nitroglycerin and how should it be administered?

Answer 3

Nitroglycerin reduces your heart’s workload and improves blood flow through the coronary arteries.
Do not chew or swallow, but put under the tongue.
Sublingual tissue:
* Rich in blood network
* Bypass metabolism from oral taken

Question 4

What are systolic and diastolic pressures, and which one is most important when checking Blood pressure?

Answer 4

The first sound of blood flow pressure as the heart contracts Systolic = upper number. Systolic pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading, representing the maximum pressure in arteries when the heart contracts.

Sound disappears pressure at resting phase Diastolic = low number
Diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the minimum pressure in arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Both systolic and diastolic pressures are essential in assessing overall blood pressure. Systolic pressure is often considered more critical for diagnosing conditions like hypertension, while diastolic pressure provides important information about vascular health.

Question 5

What causes the most damage at the cellular level after a heart attack/stroke?

Answer 5

Macrophages.
Ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) causes the most cellular damage after a heart attack or stroke, due to a clot.