Heart Disease and Stroke Education

Heart disease and stroke are among the most common medical conditions. They affect hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. By understanding the connection between heart disease and stroke, you can take steps to reduce the risk factors they share.

Our physicians are at the forefront of innovative treatments for heart disease and stroke. Visit a leading cardiologist or primary care physician to learn more about heart disease prevention and stroke prevention. You can decrease your risk of illness and improve your quality of life.

Heart disease results from improper functioning of the heart. It can be inherited or may develop over time. There are several types of heart disease. Some affect the structure of the heart, such as the arteries or valves, while others disrupt the heart's rhythm. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, but those affected often can manage the condition through diet, exercise and medication.

Stroke affects the arteries leading to and inside the brain. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, depriving cells of oxygen and causing permanent cell damage. This can result in consequences including loss of speech, motor or cognitive abilities. Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. It is important to manage your risk factors to decrease your chances of having a stroke – and to recognize the signs so you can get help fast should a stroke occur.

Heart disease and stroke share an important connection. People with heart disease are at a higher risk for stroke, and people with stroke have a higher risk of heart disease. The conditions share many risk factors, including:

• High LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Low HDL (good) cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the U.S., respectively. Each year, more than 801,000 American lives are lost due to heart disease, more than 160,000 are claimed by stroke.

The good news is that several healthy-living practices can make a positive impact on your risk for both heart disease and stroke. Remember the motto, "what's good for the heart is good for the head," and follow this advice for heart disease prevention and stroke prevention:

Heart disease symptoms and stroke symptoms can vary from person to person. If you notice any of the following in yourself or someone else, seek immediate medical help.

Heart attack symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Chest tightness or pain
• Pain in 1 or both arms
• Nausea or indigestion
• Shortness of breath

Stroke symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Weakness or numbness on 1 side
• Loss of vision in 1 or both eyes
• Inability to speak or understand
• Severe dizziness
• Facial droop