Heat stroke vs stroke? What’s the difference? Well, a stroke is a neurological condition, and a heat stroke is one of the heat-related illnesses that affect seniors in extreme weather.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an American is diagnosed with a stroke every 40 seconds. The main similarity between heat stroke and stroke is that they require urgent medical attention.
Recognizing the early warning signs is crucial to getting the right treatment. Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City utilizes AI technology to monitor seniors’ health status and provide clinical support when necessary.
Let’s explore the key differences between heat stroke and stroke in seniors and the signs of both conditions.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body temperature exceeds 40 0 C. Although heat stroke mainly occurs due to heat exposure, dehydration can make it difficult for the body to regulate temperature.
A heat stroke can occur gradually, making it difficult to get medical intervention. Some of the signs you should be on the lookout for include:
- Hot and dry skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness and confusion, or disorientation
- Vomiting and muscle weakness
According to Harvard Medical School, three-quarters of deaths that occur due to heat stroke involve individuals over the age of 65. Similar to a heat stroke, seniors also face a greater risk of a cerebrovascular accident, leading to a stroke. However, the main cause of this type of stroke is usually an interrupted blood supply to the brain.
Signs of a Stroke
A stroke occurs due to two reasons, the first being a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. The second type of stroke occurs due to the formation of a clot that blocks the blood supply to the brain. A stroke is one of the leading causes of senior health emergencies you can face.
Some of the main risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure and heart disease. The difference between heat and stroke is usually in the presentation of symptoms. Stroke symptoms in the elderly typically include:
- Speech difficult
- Arm weakness
- Numbness in the leg and the face may appear, drooping
- Sudden difficulty seeing
Contact emergency services immediately if any of these symptoms appear. Not all the signs have to be present for it to be a stroke. Any of these signs can indicate the presence of a stroke, even if they get better.
Heat Stroke vs Stroke
Heat stroke and stroke are similar in that they can adversely affect your quality of life and require various medical interventions. A cerebrovascular accident or stroke mainly affects the brain, but a heat stroke affects the whole body. However, continued exposure to extreme heat without medical intervention can adversely affect cognitive function.
The risk factors for heat stroke and stroke vary significantly. A heat stroke usually has two risk factors: age and heat. However, a stroke can have different risk factors depending on whether it is an ischemic or a hemorrhagic stroke.
The health risks a stroke poses are much more severe than those of a heat stroke. For instance, about two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, according to the Stroke Association. Recovery from a heat stroke usually involves reducing body temperature and ensuring it returns to normal.
Other areas of difference between heat stroke and stroke include:
Prevention Strategies
Following warm weather safety tips is the best way to prevent a heat stroke. On the other hand, there is no definite way to prevent a stroke. However, seniors can adopt specific strategies to mitigate the risk of a stroke, such as:
- Regulating blood pressure
- Exercising regularly and staying fit
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City offers an assisted living community where seniors can follow all the above strategies. The residential senior living option prioritizes summer senior wellness to ensure a heat stroke or any heat-related illness doesn’t occur.
Long-Term Consequences
Similar to a stroke, heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can have long-term health consequences. Heat stroke can adversely affect the functionality of organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
An ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke has more severe short-term and long-term consequences compared to a heat stroke. Stroke requires extensive rehabilitation, and brain damage may be permanent. Consequently, seniors who suffer a stroke may require 24/7 care and support.
On the other hand, you can recover from a heat stroke by taking the necessary interventions. Assisted living at Rittenhouse Village offers different exclusive programs that can cater to the health needs of seniors who have suffered either a stroke or a heat stroke.
Treatment and Medical Interventions
The medical intervention for a heat stroke involves rapidly cooling the body temperature. Moving to a cooler environment and getting medical attention can help you avoid the repercussions of a heat-related illness.
You don’t have to get hospitalized to recover from a heat stroke. However, this is usually not the case in the event of a stroke, where you’ll need more intensive treatment, such as:
- Intravenous thrombolytics
- Endovascular procedures
- Direct arterial thrombolysis
- Surgical intervention
You may also need a prolonged stay at the hospital for the reversal of anticoagulation. Both a stroke and heat stroke require urgent medical attention to minimize the health risks posed to seniors.
When to Join an Assisted Living Community
Staying healthy as a senior entails being in the right environment and having the necessary support. Rittenhouse Assisted Living in Michigan City offers the perfect living conditions and programs to prevent illnesses and avoid the risk of heat stroke.
The best time to join an assisted living community is:
- When you’re facing difficulty performing activities of daily living
- When having mobility issues
- If you have one or more chronic conditions
Heat Stroke vs Stroke: Learn the Differences Today
Understanding heat stroke vs stroke may be the key to a successful recovery. Both conditions are health emergencies that demand urgent action to avoid long-term consequences.
Here at Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City, we’re proud to offer a close-knit community that tailors its services and amenities to its residents’ needs. From housekeeping and maintenance to concierge services to health and fitness programs, our highly trained staff works tirelessly to improve your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a tour.
