Stroke symptoms: 1 in 3 Canadians can’t recognize the signs, which is ‘concerning’

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According to new data from Heart and Stroke, many Canadians don't know enough about stroke and heart disease.

Read on to learn more about the survey, stroke signs and symptoms — and what to do if you suspect a medical emergency.

Survey results

Out of 2003 participants, key findings include:

• 1 in 3 Canadians do not understand that cardiac arrest and heart attack are different conditions.

• 1 in 3 Canadians do not know that the signs of heart attack can be different in women.

• Almost 1 in 3 Canadians mistakenly think if they witness someone having a stroke they should immediately drive them to the nearest hospital.

• 1 in 3 Canadians think it’s difficult to recognize the signs of stroke if you’re not a trained healthcare professional.

This lack of knowledge about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and what to do if faced with a medical emergency is concerning, according to Patrice Lindsay.

"Heart attack, heart failure, stroke and cardiac arrest are all time sensitive, so early recognition is critical and if you don't know the signs there's a lower chance for a good outcome," said Lindsay, lead of engagement and stroke strategies at Heart & Stroke.

"Most strokes, heart attacks and cardiac arrests don't happen in a hospital, they happen in your home, so this information is vital for everyone — it's concerning more people don't know important information."

The survey also showed one in two Canadians have been personally touched by heart disease and stroke, but don't know what to do when faced with a medical emergency.

Stroke signs and symptoms — and how they differ in men and women

Everyone should learn the signs and symptoms of stroke. Typically, the acronym FAST is used to remember the common signs.

• F: Face — is it drooping?

• A: Arms — can you raise both?

• S: Speech — is it slurred or jumbled?

• T: Time — call 9-1-1 right away.

  • Never drive yourself to the hospital, as EMS can start treating immediately and not every hospital is equipped to treat heart disease and stroke.

However, while FAST represents the most common stroke symptoms, there can be some variances in women.

According to Dr. Hera Kamdar, an assistant professor of neurology at The Ohio University Wexner Medical Center, less noticeable signs of stroke in women include severe headache, generalized weakness, generalized fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, brain fog and hiccups.

In an interview with CTV, Kamdar noted these symptoms may appear suddenly, may be confused for another health issue and would not improve over time.

Scientists have devised theories for why men and women may experience stroke differently, including age, hormones and pregnancy.

Heart attack signs and symptoms — and how they differ in men and women

Like stroke, heart attack signs and symptoms can differ between men and women.

While chest pain and discomfort is one of the most common signs in both men and women, there are slight nuances.

In women, heart attack symptoms may include chest pain, pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, pain in the jaw or neck, fainting, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and shortness of breath.

However, in men the most common symptoms include squeezing chest pressure or pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw, neck or back.

With this in mind, symptoms in women are most commonly missed because people don't know what to look out for, and women might be more likely to brush off issues — even if they seem minor.

"I'm not sure if women seek health care at the same frequency that that men do, or if sometimes men are encouraged in self-care, when women don't always put themselves first," Lindsay Love, the clinical manager of cardiac catheterization labs and the cardiac triage office at the University Health Network in Toronto, previously told Yahoo Canada.

Long-term effects of strokes

There are many long-term effects of stroke, which affect both you and your loved ones both physically and mentally.

Moreover, if it's not treated in a timely manner, not everyone will make a full recovery.

"But people who get to a hospital within a short time can greatly reduce disability with drugs or procedures," Lindsay said.

Some stroke survivors may not be able to return to work due to physical or cognitive issues. Survivors also might not be able to participate in hobbies or activities they did before the incident, as functional abilities can be affected.

As having a stroke is a life-altering event, it can play a massive role in one's mental health — and their family's.

"If you have long-term impairments, or you can't be with at the same level you were before, it's a huge risk of depression and makes it harder for you to live independently or manage your own affairs," Lindsay said.

"So it's not just affecting the person who had a stroke, it also impacts their family members."

Stroke prevention and next steps

Even with a healthy diet and a diligent exercise routine, it's still possible to experience a stroke. However, there are some things you can do to help decrease your chances.

"Blood pressure is the number one risk factor... know and monitor your baseline, and see your doctor if there's any chances," Lindsay said.

Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle, watching your diet, weight and cholesterol, and working on your mental health can also help prevent stroke or heart disease.

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