Know the Signs: Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms That Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore

Heart disease and stroke remain two of the leading health threats for older adults. While a heart attack or stroke can occur at any age, seniors are at higher risk. This is generally due to age-related changes in the heart, blood vessels, and overall health. Recognizing early warning signs can save a life—your own or someone else’s.

Unfortunately, many of the symptoms are subtle or mistaken for normal aging, indigestion, or fatigue. Understanding what to watch for and when to seek immediate help is critical for preventing long-term damage or loss of life and increasing the chance of a more complete recovery.

In honor of National Heart Month, we’re sharing a list of warning signs for these two health conditions.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a clot or plaque buildup. Research shows that one person in the United States experiences a heart attack every 40 seconds! The risk of a cardiac emergency can be elevated by a variety of factors, ranging from social isolation to high cholesterol.

Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over hours or days. Seniors should pay close attention to the following:

• Chest Discomfort
  This is the most common warning sign. The sensation may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a heavy weight on the chest. It can last more than a few minutes or go away and return. Not all chest pain is sharp—many describe it as a persistent discomfort.
• Pain in Other Areas of the Upper Body
  Discomfort may spread to the shoulders, back, neck, jaw, or one or both arms. In seniors, especially women, pain may be more subtle and show up primarily in the back or jaw instead of the chest.
• Shortness of Breath
  Difficulty breathing can occur with or without chest pain. It may feel like you can’t catch your breath, even when resting.
• Unusual Fatigue
  Many older adults frequently feel tired, but sudden or extreme fatigue, especially if it comes out of nowhere, can be an early sign of a heart attack. This is an especially common red flag in women.
• Nausea or Lightheadedness
  Feeling faint, dizzy, or sick to your stomach can accompany a heart attack. Some people may break out in a cold sweat or feel clammy.

Stroke Warning Signs

A stroke is also a disruption in blood flow. It happens when blood going to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Every minute counts when it comes to seeking treatment for a suspected stroke. The easiest way to remember the signs is the acronym FAST.

• F – Face Drooping

One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and see if their face appears uneven.

• A – Arm Weakness

The person may not be able to raise both arms evenly. One arm may drift downward or feel heavy and weak.

• S – Speech Difficulty

Slurred or strange speech, trouble recalling words, or difficulty understanding others can indicate a stroke.

• T – Time to Call 911

If you see any of these signs—even if they go away—seek emergency help immediately.

Other stroke symptoms that seniors should never ignore include sudden confusion, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, sudden severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. These can appear quickly and may be accompanied by weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

Why Symptoms May Be Overlooked

Seniors often overlook heart attack or stroke symptoms for several reasons. Some assume their discomfort is age-related or caused by other health issues like arthritis, acid reflux, or fatigue. Others may downplay their symptoms to avoid worrying family members.

Never wait to see if the symptoms improve. Calling emergency services right away is crucial. Quick treatment can reduce damage to the heart or brain and increase the chances of a full recovery.

During a medical emergency, one way to ensure you can summon help from almost anywhere is with the use of a mobile monitoring unit. These devices are small enough to carry unobtrusively in your pocket. But if a crisis occurs, you only need to press a button on the unit to talk with someone who can help. Call 1-844-203-5617 today for more details!