Stroke and heart health: Understanding the vital connection

When you think of a stroke, you likely picture its impact on the brain. But did you know that one in 4 ischaemic strokes (often caused by a blood clot or narrowing of the blood vessels) are linked to heart-related issues?¹

Stroke and heart health are closely connected, with each condition significantly increasing the risk of the other.

Heart disease and stroke are both types of cardiovascular disease, meaning they share common causes and risk factors. In some cases, heart problems can develop or worsen during the acute phase of a stroke or in the recovery period.

Understanding how stroke and heart health are connected is essential for a smoother recovery and better long-term health outcomes.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke). Many strokes are linked to underlying heart conditions.

One of the most common heart-related causes of stroke is atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition involving an irregular heartbeat. This irregularity can form blood clots that can travel to the brain and block blood flow, leading to a stroke. People with AF are 5 times more likely to have a stroke compared to those without this condition.²

Cardioembolic strokes, a type of ischaemic stroke, are directly caused by blood clots from the heart. These strokes are often linked to conditions like heart valve disease or heart failure.

A stroke can place extra strain on the heart and lead to serious complications, including:

This happens when a brain injury, like a stroke, leads to a surge of stress hormones that temporarily weaken the heart muscle. The symptoms may resemble a heart attack, like chest pain and difficulty breathing, but the heart usually recovers with time.

This condition is named after a Japanese octopus trap because of the heart's shape during the event. It's triggered by sudden stress, including the physical and emotional trauma of a stroke, and can cause short-term heart muscle dysfunction. However, most people recover fully with proper care.

Stroke and heart disease share many similar risk factors. Topping that list is high blood pressure, the biggest risk factor for both conditions. Managing your blood pressure can significantly reduce this risk.

Next is high cholesterol, which can lead to plaque build-up in arteries and increase the risk of both a heart attack and stroke. Diabetes is another risk factor as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the heart. Other lifestyle factors include smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Managing these factors holistically with regular check-ups, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce the chance of future strokes or heart complications.

Protecting heart health is crucial for a stroke survivor's recovery and to prevent further health issues. The good news is that the key steps towards this are simple and practical.

This could include tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect arrhythmias or echocardiograms to assess heart muscle strength.

Many stroke survivors are prescribed medications to manage their heart health, like:

• anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent clots from forming
• blood pressure medications to keep blood pressure in a healthy range
• statins to lower cholesterol levels.

For many, this will likely be the most challenging of the 3 to implement but the effects are tremendous. Start by eating a balanced diet of heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Exercise regularly and choose activities like walking, swimming or gentle yoga to improve both heart and brain health. And stop smoking to prevent further damage to blood vessels and a higher risk of another heart attack or stroke.

The connection between stroke and heart health is a powerful reminder of how our body's systems are so closely linked. Stroke survivors face unique challenges, but understanding the impact of stroke on the heart and addressing shared risk factors can significantly improve outcomes. A heart-healthy approach not only supports recovery but also lays the foundation for a longer, healthier life.