Stroke & Myocardial Infarction

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.  Strokes are a medical emergency, and  urgent treatment is essential. 

What are the signs of a Stroke?

The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary from person to person but usually begin suddenly. 

As different parts of your brain control different parts of your body, your symptoms will depend on the part of your brain affected and the extent of the damage. 

Common signs and symptoms

The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word F.A.S.T: 

• Face :  the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped. 
• Arms : the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm. 
• Speech : their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them. 
• Time : it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

T.I.A (Transient Ischemic Attack) 

A TIA stands for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). It is also known as a mini-stroke and happens when the brain’s blood supply is briefly interrupted, usually for a few minutes. 

A mini-stroke may cause a brief loss of vision, loss of speech, or weakness in one side of the body. People will usually recover within a few minutes and won’t have any obvious disability.

Why TIA symptoms should never be ignored

Although the symptoms do improve, a TIA should never be ignored as it’s a serious warning sign of a problem with the blood supply to your brain. 

A TIA indicates an increased risk of acute ischemic stroke or another stroke in the near future. It’s important to phone 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else have TIA or stroke symptoms. 

What should I do if someone is having a Stroke? 

Recognising the common signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives. If someone shows symptoms of a stroke, it’s vital to call emergency services right away. Follow these important steps to ensure their safety while waiting for help to arrive:

• Call 112 or 999 emergency services immediately. 
• While waiting for help to arrive, keep the person awake if possible.
• Ensure the person is comfortable and supported and reassure them.  
• Do not let them talk you out of calling emergency services 
• Do not give them anything to eat or drink because it may be hard for them to swallow.  
• Keep monitoring the person’s level of response until help arrives. 

Myocardial Infarction (Heart attack) – What is it? 

When the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, the blockage is most often a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart.

In some cases, using a defibrillator can be life-saving, highlighting the importance of a defibrillator in emergency situations. 

Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. This interrupted blood flow can lead to myocardial injury or destroy part of the heart muscle, potentially resulting in heart failure.

Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack

A heart attack is often associated with underlying cardiovascular disease, which is why recognising its symptoms is vital for prompt treatment. 

These symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Knowing the signs below can help you take quick action during a medical emergency:

• Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back. 
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Cold sweat. 
• Fatigue. 
• Light-headedness or sudden dizziness.

What to do if you see someone who might be having a heart attack

If you see someone who’s unconscious and you believe is having a heart attack, first call for emergency medical help. Then, check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. 

Specialist After Stroke Care or Heart Attack Care at Home

Our specialist care for stroke or post-heart attack patients at home is founded on an expert approach to care delivery. 

All our dedicated care professionals are trained in how to care for someone who is recovering from a stroke or heart attack and use a range of best practice methods overseen by our clinical nurse management team. 

Personalised care for stroke patients at home

Our gentle and compassionate care team are flexible and recognises the new boundaries you may be living with. They will assist you in building up your key life skills. 

We also understand that those who are in recovery may have mobility concerns, as well as spiritual, psychological and emotional needs that need to be acknowledged and supported so that overall well-being is preserved.

Areas we support after a stroke or heart attack

We are able to support after a stroke or heart attack in the following areas:

Assisting with mobility after a stroke or heart attack

Our caregivers provide essential physical support to help you move safely within your home, enhancing independence and promoting recovery for stroke or myocardial infarction patients.

Continence care for stroke and heart attack patients

We offer sensitive and dignified continence care to ensure comfort and hygiene, adapting our support to each individual’s specific recovery needs.

Managing and administering medication

Our team assists with the management and administration of medications, ensuring they are taken on time and correctly, supporting your ongoing treatment and recovery.

Light household tasks for post-stroke or heart-attack patients

We help with daily household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and tidying, enabling you to focus on your recovery while maintaining a clean and organised environment.

Transport assistance for medical appointments

Our caregivers provide transport to medical appointments, ensuring that stroke and heart attack patients can easily access necessary follow-up care and treatment.

Shopping and errand support 

 We assist with grocery shopping and other errands, ensuring your home is stocked with essentials and you have what you need for a comfortable recovery at home.

Learn more about our stroke and heart attack recovery support

Comfort Keepers is here to support you or your loved one’s recovery journey with personalised, compassionate care. For more info, visit the Irish Heart Foundation or contact us directly to discuss your care needs.