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. For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately in order to get to the nearest emergency room.

In the U.S., someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Stroke is also a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability. It's important to know the signs. If someone is having a heart attack or stroke, people should 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. These are life-changing and potentially fatal events.

Learn more about the differences between a stroke and a heart attack to help feel more prepared to respond when emergencies happen.

In this article:

Stroke vs. heart attack

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. Depending on where the blockage is, this can cause a stroke or a heart attack.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke can be thought of as a “brain attack.” 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.

In the case of a ministroke (also known as a transient ischemic attack), the blockage is temporary, but symptoms can last up to 24 hours. This short-term shutoff of blood to the brain may go unnoticed. However, as many as 10 percent to 15 percent 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 someone suspects they have had a ministroke.

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 may increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

What causes a heart attack?

If a blockage keeps blood from getting to heart muscle, it can cause chest pain and discomfort. This is known as angina, which could turn into a heart attack if the blockage is not resolved.

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:

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

People can’t control certain risk factors like their age or genetics, but many 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.

Differences between a stroke and a heart attack

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

Symptoms of a heart attack

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 one or both arms. In women, other symptoms like anxiety, shortness of breath, upset stomach or tiredness and weakness are possible. (For the purposes of this article, “men” and “women” refer to biological sex.)

Stroke symptoms in women and men

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

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

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

Stroke symptoms may vary between women and men. In general, some common symptoms may include the following:

• Arm weakness (like the inability to lift the arm)
• Facial drooping, such as difficulty smiling
• Sudden severe headache without a known cause
• Trouble speaking normally
• Trouble with balance and coordination
• Vision problems

But women are more likely to have symptoms that can be harder to recognize. These symptoms may include fatigue, general disorientation, memory problems, nausea, vomiting or weakness.

Action plan when a stroke happens

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

Calling the paramedics will help people get efficient and effective care. 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. They may take the patient to a hospital that has a stroke center, which is a place that’s well equipped to offer speedy treatment for this condition.

The signs aren’t always easy to recognize. Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can and do occur at any age. Getting treatment immediately when stroke is suspected can help minimize brain damage and disability.

Life after a stroke

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

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 help keep stroke survivors on the road to recovery.