Stroke vs. heart attack: How are they alike and different?

Note: If you have questions about your heart or cardiovascular health, it’s best to talk with a trained health professional. If your health might be in immediate danger, call 911 immediately in order to get to the nearest emergency room.

In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.¹ And strokes are also a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability.² It's important to know the signs. If someone is having a heart attack or stroke, you can act quickly to get help.

Here’s the first rule: Every second counts. If someone might be having a major vascular event, whether it’s a heart attack or a stroke, it’s important to get help right away.³ These are life-changing and potentially fatal events.

Educate yourself on the differences between a stroke and a heart attack and feel more prepared to respond when emergencies happen.  

In this article:

What causes a stroke?

A stroke can be thought of as a “brain attack.” They come about in a similar way to heart attacks but they affect the brain.⁴

The blood travels around the body through the circulatory system, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. But sometimes blockages occur on this blood highway. The normal flow of blood is disrupted, and tissues can quickly “starve” for lack of oxygen.

If a blockage keeps blood from getting to heart muscle, it causes a heart attack. If the blockage prevents blood from getting to the brain, it’s called an ischemic stroke. When that happens, starved brain cells malfunction and die off, leading to permanent damage if not treated quickly.⁵

In the case of a ministroke — or a “transient ischemic attack” – the blockage is temporary. It clears on its own, usually within five minutes. This short-term shutoff of blood to the brain may go unnoticed. However, as many as 10% to 15% of those who have a ministroke will experience a major stroke within three months. So it’s really important to seek medical care right away if you suspect a ministroke happened.⁶

Another less common type of stroke is caused by bleeding. If a blood vessel breaks and leaks blood into the brain, it’s called a hemorrhagic stroke. High blood pressure increases the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.⁷

Similarities between a stroke and a heart attack

Heart attacks are also usually caused by a blockage in the blood vessels.⁸ During a heart attack, blood can’t access the heart muscle, and heart cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Since most heart attacks and strokes share the same underlying causes, they also have similar risk factors.

Risk factors for heart attack and stroke include the following:⁹

• Advanced age
• Diabetes
• Some genetic factors
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Obesity and being overweight
• Smoking
• Stress

We can’t control our genetics, but many of the risk factors for heart attack and stroke can be improved or managed. Lifestyle changes and medical care can make a difference. Be sure to talk to a health care provider about how that works.¹⁰

Differences between a stroke and a heart attack

Heart attacks and strokes target different organs. So the signs and symptoms are specific to the area that’s affected. It’s important to note, though, that the signs of heart attack and stroke can vary a lot between people. If you think you might be in danger, it’s important to seek medical care right away.

That said, typical symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain and tightness, jaw pain, shoulder stiffness and an irregular heartbeat. Some people may experience a shooting pain down the left arm.

Because a stroke affects the brain, it’s more likely to cause symptoms like confusion, blurry vision, dizziness, an intense headache and slurred speech as well as sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, face or leg, especially on one side of the body.¹¹

Stroke symptoms in women and men

The symptoms of a heart attack or stroke may vary from person to person. That’s why it’s critical to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some of the variation happens because of biological sex.

Studies show that stroke symptoms may vary between women and men.¹² In general, symptoms may include the following:

• Facial paralysis, such as difficulty smiling
• Inability to lift the arm
• Trouble speaking normally

But women and those assigned female at birth are more likely to have symptoms that can be harder to recognize. These include fatigue, general disorientation, memory problems, nausea, vomiting or weakness.¹³

Action plan when a stroke happens

A stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed right away. If you suspect that someone might be having a stroke, stop everything and call 911. Do not attempt treatment or give the person medication.

Calling the paramedics will help ensure the most efficient and effective care.¹⁴ Emergency workers are trained to start treatment on the way to the hospital and can communicate with hospital staff so they’re prepared when the patient arrives.¹⁵ They may take the patient to a hospital that’s a stroke center: a place that’s well equipped to offer speedy treatment for this condition.¹⁶

During a stroke, the person may become numb on one side of the body or have trouble seeing, walking or talking or keeping their balance. The signs aren’t always easy to recognize, but strokes are more common in people over 65 or with a history of heart disease. Getting treatment immediately when stroke is suspected can help minimize brain damage and disability.¹⁷

Life after a stroke

Treatment for strokes in the hospital may involve testing, medication and, sometimes, surgery. Within a day or two after the stroke, rehabilitation will begin to prepare the person to return home safely and help prevent future strokes.¹⁸

Depending on the effects and severity of the stroke, rehab may include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and mental health support. Ongoing care to address underlying health conditions and risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, is essential to keeping stroke survivors on the road to recovery.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.