Stroke victims suffer blood clots that block the blood vessels feeding the brain, and they experience a different set of potential symptoms from those having a heart attack. Symptoms of stroke can include dizziness, numbness or pain in the arms, legs or face, difficulty walking or talking, and feelings of confusion. Stroke can cause long-term or permanent disability, but many stroke victims experience a full recovery. Seeking medical attention immediately after onset of symptoms can greatly increase the likelihood that a full recovery will be possible.
Some types of heart disease are congenital and exist from birth. People with congenital heart disease need to maintain an ongoing relationship with a health care team that will monitor care, follow up, and help ensure all lifestyle and therapy directions are understood.
- Blood in the urine: Seeing blood in the toilet when you pee can be scary. In fact, blood where there shouldn’t be blood is always scary. But blood in the urine can be particularly alarming and can signal conditions that require medical intervention. Kidney stones can cause blood in the urine and are often accompanied by side or back pain. While kidney stones sometimes pass through the urethra on their own, you may need to seek medical help to resolve this painful condition. Blood in the urine also could be the sign of a bladder or kidney infection. These conditions carry additional symptoms that include burning when urinating, frequent need to urinate or lower back pain. Fever is a sign that you may have a more serious infection. Medical attention and proper care and medication are usually required to resolve these types of infections. Finally, bladder or kidney cancer can cause blood in the urine, and for this reason, any sign of blood when you pee should warrant a trip to the doctor.
- Breathing problems: Any sign of wheezing should send you to the doctor as soon as possible. Breathing difficulties are a scary experience and can be the sign of more serious health conditions. Wheezing can become very serious if not treated and can result in death in some instances if left ignored. Lung disease, severe allergies, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, exposure to toxins, or even cancer can cause wheezing or breathing problems. Your doctor can conduct appropriate tests and establish a care plan to manage any of these conditions. However, timely and ongoing treatment is a key element to maintaining your health.