Heart disease and stroke: The dangerous connection you need to know

Heart disease and stroke are perceived as two different conditions of health, however, they have a close and dangerous relationship with one another, particularly in high-risk patients. The underlying vascular issues that lead to them are similar and so people who have heart disease are more prone to having a stroke.

How heart disease puts you at risk of stroke



Medical experts assert that vascular risk factors that are prevalent in patients with heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), or smoking and alcohol misuse. The processes that lead to the blockage of the heart arteries also lead to the blockage of the brain blood vessels.

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A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the cardiac muscles is interrupted. In the same manner, the loss of blood supply to the brain leads to a brain attack, or stroke, as the doctor puts it. Essentially, arterial blockage that may be caused by fatty deposits, forming of clots, or damage to the vessels may occur to both the heart and the brain.

Heart diseases that increase the risk of stroke



There are also some heart disorders that predispose patients to stroke. As an illustration, when the pumping action of the heart is weakened such as in heart failure or cardiomyopathy conditions, blood flow is slowed and clots are easily formed. These clots have the ability to pass through the blood and get into the brain resulting in what is referred to as a cardioembolic stroke.

The expert contends that small clots, which are like showers and are caused by reduced heart functioning, block important blood flow to the brain. That is why cardiac and neurological examinations that are regular and periodic should be conducted among heart patients and they should be especially careful.

Prevention of high-risk patients



Managing the vascular risk factors is the best option to decrease the risk of the heart disease as well as the stroke. It is important to monitor and control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Patients are also to pay attention to the necessity to stop smoking, to reduce alcohol consumption, and to have the balance of their diet which is full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sleep is also vital, regular healthcare examinations, and periodic evaluations of the heart and brain condition are also a priority.

The doctor recommends that patients who had heart disease in their past must not only consult their cardiologist, but also a neurologist in case of some imbalance or neurological symptom.

Lifestyle effect on prevention



Diet, exercise, stress management, among other lifestyle aspects, play a major role in the health of the heart and the brain. The eating patterns, exercise and stress in a chronic state may indirectly increase the risk of both conditions through elevation of the level of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.


According to the expert, simple measures such as exercise routines, proper sleep, proper diet and proper stress management can go a long way in increasing your prevention of heart disease and stroke.


Heart disease and stroke are two peas in one pod, as they both have vascular health as their foundation. With well controlled risk factors, a heart-friendly lifestyle and awareness regarding early warning signs, high-risk patients may reduce their risks of encountering either of the two conditions greatly. The best defenses against these life-threatening events are proactive medical care, prevention, and early detection.


Dr Ashish Gosar Consultant Neurologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai