Time is Tissue: Know the Signs of a Stroke or Heart Attack

by | Feb 4, 2014 | Safety, Wellness Tips & Information

Signs of a Stroke

 Donna L. Hamilton, MD

It’s important for you to know the signs of a stoke and heart attack. You probably have heard the expression, “Time is money,” but do you know the saying, “Time is tissue?”  It’s something said in medical arenas when dealing with a time sensitive and usually life threatening condition. It means move fast to address the issue to avoid damage to the patient’s body. For example, if you suspect someone is having a heart attack or stroke, acting quickly can help preserve their heart or brain tissue.

Not everyone works in the medical profession but we might all have to act fast to help someone in the throes of a medical emergency.  In order to take appropriate, fast action you have to recognize the warning signs.   You especially want to recognize the symptoms of life threatening conditions like a heart attack or stroke.

Getting appropriate medical attention, especially within the first hour, can have a significant effect on survival. For example, some studies show that heart attack survival rate doubled when appropriate CPR began quickly. A Danish study found survival rates tripled when bystanders started CPR.  Because “time is tissue,” it can also help improve quality of life after survival.

Heart attacks don’t always present in the big, dramatic way they do in movies.  Often they have subtler signs and symptoms, especially in women.  Familiarize with the signs of heart attack  when in doubt get to an emergency room immediately.  Remember, time delay could mean damaged heart tissue. The same holds true for the signs of a stroke.

You never know who you might need to help one day. You could help a co-worker, friend, relative, or even a stranger survive by remembering, “Time is tissue,” knowing what to do, and taking action.

Be well.

 

 

 

 

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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