Health Direct - Spring 2018 v2 - 3

3 Times
It Isn't a
Heart Attack
Chest pain is a common symptom
of a heart attack, but it's not the only
reason your chest might hurt. Your
chest pain could also be caused by:
Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics
uses telemedicine technology in the
Emergency Department to help patients
who have stroke symptoms get the help
they need quickly. Allina telemedicine
network provides physician specialists
and consultation for stroke and mental
health at Meeker Memorial.

Lung problems such as a blood clot,
collapsed lung or pneumonia

THE BASICS

Ministrokes

ILLUSTRATIONS © THINKSTOCK

Stomach problems
including gallstones,
heartburn and ulcers

Other problems such as
shingles, panic attacks
or strained muscles
between the ribs
If you're experiencing chest pain, it's
important to have it evaluated. Call
911 immediately if you think you might
be having a heart attack, and your
doctor can determine the next best
steps for you.

Sometimes stroke symptoms appear and then subside. "You might be walking down the street and feel that your right leg is dragging and your right arm
is heavy," says Carolyn Brockington, M.D., a neurologist and spokeswoman
for the American Stroke Association. "A few minutes later it goes away, and
you're just glad it's over."
These signs are not something to ignore. Sudden-onset symptoms, including weakness or numbness on one side of the body, vision loss, language
difficulties or trouble walking, could be signs of a transient ischemic attack
(TIA), or ministroke.
Like strokes, ministrokes reduce blood flow to the brain, but they end
before the brain gets seriously injured. However, the appearance of a ministroke is often a sign of a more serious problem. Many people who suffer
strokes might have one or multiple ministrokes first, and figuring out what is
causing them can help prevent a brain-injuring stroke in the future.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, even if they
seem to subside, call 911 immediately.

KEEP YOUR BRAIN IN SHAPE
Do you know how to keep your brain healthy as you age?
Take the American Stroke Association's quiz at
brainhealth.strokeassociation.org/quiz to learn
what steps can keep your mind sharp through the years.

DOWNLOAD the F.A.S.T. app to help with stroke symptoms at news.heart.org/f-a-s-t-stroke-app-helps-save-a-life.

http://brainhealth.strokeassociation.org/quiz http://news.heart.org/f-a-s-t-stroke-app-helps-save-a-life

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Direct - Spring 2018 v2