Stroke and heart attack are two of the most serious medical emergencies. Both occur when blood flow to a vital organ is suddenly disrupted, and both require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death.
Although they share similar risk factors, stroke and heart attack affect different organs and present with different warning signs. Recognising these differences can help you respond quickly and appropriately.
A simple way to understand the difference:
Stroke affects the brain
Heart attack affects the heart
Both conditions result from a sudden interruption of blood flow, usually caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. The brain depends on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function. When this supply is reduced or cut off, brain cells can become damaged or die within minutes.
For a detailed explanation of stroke types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment, refer to Prince Court Medical Centre’s stroke guide.
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. The BE-FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) method helps identify warning signs:
B – Balance problems
E – Eye or vision changes
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to seek emergency help
If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to coronary artery disease. This can damage or destroy heart muscle if not treated promptly. The most common underlying cause is coronary artery disease.
Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over several hours or days and include:
Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
Pain radiating to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
Immediate medical attention is needed if these symptoms occur.
Both stroke and heart attack require urgent assessment, even if symptoms appear mild or temporary.
Doctors use rapid clinical assessment and imaging to determine the cause and guide treatment.
Stroke: Brain imaging (CT or MRI), blood tests, heart rhythm assessment
Heart attack: ECG, cardiac blood tests, heart imaging, coronary angiography
Early diagnosis is critical in determining the most effective treatment.
Both stroke and heart attack are medical emergencies with potentially life-threatening consequences. However, advances in medical care have significantly improved survival rates for both heart attack and stroke.
Timely treatment can restore blood flow to the brain and reduce long-term disability. Some treatments are only effective within a limited time window.
Restoring blood flow to the heart as early as possible reduces muscle damage and improves survival. Emergency procedures or medications may be required.
Many risk factors overlap, which is why prevention strategies often protect both the heart and brain:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Managing these factors significantly reduces your risk.
Many strokes and heart attacks are preventable through lifestyle changes and medical care:
Control blood pressure
Manage cholesterol
Maintain good blood sugar control
Stop smoking
Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet
Stay physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol intake
Take prescribed medications consistently
Attend regular health screenings
If you experience symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, go immediately to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at Prince Court Medical Centre.
If you are concerned about your risk of stroke or heart attack, book an appointment today and speak to our cardiologists or neurologists for a personalised assessment and preventive care plan.
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