This “normal” headache might be the only warning before a stroke!

Headaches might seem normal, every one gets them, they can be annoying, painful and disabling sometimes, but they usually don’t cause panic among people, just taking a painkiller and going along with the flow, is what most people think. However, in rare cases, a headache can be a sign of something much more serious-like a heart attack or stroke.Doctors say that while the majority of headaches are harmless, there are situations when they could point to an underlying cardiovascular issue. Here is what we need to know to stay safe and informed.

When a headache could signal a heart attack

A heart attack usually comes with warning signs such as mild chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain that may spread to the jaws or arms. But in rare cases a headache may actually be a noticeable symptom. This is medically known as cardiac cephalalgia, a type of headache triggered by reduced flow of blood to the heart.The pain is usually severe and normal pain killers do not help. It may feel different from the usual headaches, often accompanied by neck pain, nausea or lightheadedness. This type of headache usually goes away once the heart ailment is treated.Doctors say that is it very rare and if a person has a sudden or unusual headache, especially accompanied with chest pain, sweating or fatigue, it is worth seeking medical attention.

A case study:

A case study published in the Official journal of the Taiwan society of cardiology titled, Heart Attack Causes Head-Ache – Cardiac Cephalalgia, presented a real case about a woman who have no other symptoms of heart attack but just a headache.The case study describes a rare instance of a woman who was 70 years old and experienced a heart attack that only expressed itself as severe neck pain and headache without chest pain. The condition, which is referred to as cardiac cephalalgia, is rare but significant. The headache cleared after treating the heart, validating the connection. Physicians point out that in patients presenting with risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension, an acute, atypical headache can be an early warning sign for heart attack and should elicit emergency cardiac assessment.

Headaches are a more common warning sign of stroke

In many cases, it is seen that the connection between headaches and stroke is much clearer, especially with certain types of strokes like hemorrhagic stroke, a sudden and intense headache can be the first warning sign. Doctors describe it as “the worst headache of your life.” It often comes out of nowhere and may be accompanied by nausea, vision problems, numbness, trouble speaking, or confusion.Even mini strokes, called Transient ischemic attack, can cause brief episode of headaches with other neurological symptoms.

Migraines and cardiovascular risk

People who suffer from migraines, especially those that include sensory disturbances are at a slightly higher risk of stroke and heart disease.While most migraine attacks are not dangerous, doctors encourage migraine sufferers to manage other risk factors like high blood pressure, smoke and watch out for cholesterol levels.

When to take this headache seriously

Most headaches are not associated with heart issues, however, there are some warning signs to watch out for..

• If the headache feels different from ones you have had before
• Accompanied by other symptoms, weakness, numbness, unexplained fatigue and dizziness.
• The headache comes on suddenly and severely
• It does not go away with usual medications

What doctors recommend

If one ever experiences a new or intense headache that seems out of the ordinary, do not ignore it. It is better to be cautious and rule out serious issues. In strokes, especially the time is critical. The faster we act, the better chances of recovery we have.The rules are simple, control the blood pressure, avoid smoking, maintain a healthy diet and staying active can reduce the risk of both attacks and strokes.

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