Published on April 18, 2019
The heart and brain serve very different functions, but they are closely connected. In fact, an unhealthy heart can significantly increase your risk of stroke and other serious neurological complications.
Understanding how heart health affects blood flow to the brain can help you take proactive steps to reduce your risk and protect your long-term health.
The Connection Between Heart Health and Stroke
Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood through blood vessels to every part of your body, including your brain.
A stroke occurs when:
- A blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain
- A blood vessel in the brain bursts
When blood flow is interrupted, brain cells begin to die rapidly. Nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, increasing the risk of:
- Permanent brain damage
- Disability
- Death
Because time is critical during a stroke, prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect your brain health.
Two Major Stroke Risk Factors Linked to Heart Health
Two common heart-related conditions can significantly increase stroke risk:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Managing these conditions can help reduce your risk of stroke and improve overall cardiovascular health.
High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against artery walls remains consistently too high.
Over time, this extra force makes the heart and blood vessels work harder and less efficiently.
How High Blood Pressure Damages Arteries
When high blood pressure goes untreated, it can damage the delicate lining of blood vessels.
This damage can lead to plaque buildup inside the arteries.
Effects of Plaque Buildup
As plaque accumulates:
- Artery walls become thicker
- Blood vessels narrow
- Blood flow decreases
- Less oxygen reaches the brain
These changes increase the likelihood of a stroke.
Why High Blood Pressure Is Known as a Silent Killer
High blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why many people do not realize they have it.
The best way to manage blood pressure is to know your numbers and have them checked regularly.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): Measures pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): Measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Blood Pressure Categories
| Category | Blood Pressure Reading |
|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 / Less than 80 mmHg |
| Elevated | 120-129 / Less than 80 mmHg |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher / 90 or higher mmHg |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 / Higher than 120 mmHg |
If your blood pressure falls into the elevated or hypertension ranges, speak with your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes and treatment options.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Stroke Risk
Atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, is a type of irregular heartbeat that affects the upper chambers of the heart.
When the heart beats irregularly or too quickly, blood may collect in the heart rather than moving efficiently through the body.
How AFib Can Cause a Stroke
When blood pools in the heart, it can form a clot.
If that clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
AFib Significantly Increases Stroke Risk
People diagnosed with AFib have more than five times the risk of stroke compared to those without the condition.
Because of this increased risk, it is important for individuals with AFib to:
- Follow their treatment plan
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Attend regular medical appointments
- Monitor symptoms closely
Working closely with a healthcare provider can help reduce the risk of stroke and other complications.
Can Strokes Be Prevented?
The encouraging news is that many strokes are preventable.
Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
About 80% of strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and proper management of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and AFib.
Healthy habits that support stroke prevention include:
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Managing AFib and other heart conditions
- Staying physically active
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Not smoking
- Managing stress
- Following prescribed treatment plans
Know Your Stroke Risk
Understanding your risk factors is an important first step toward stroke prevention.
Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as:
- Age
- Family history
- Sex
However, many risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical care.
Expert Stroke Care When Every Minute Counts
While prevention is critical, immediate treatment is essential if a stroke occurs.
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, offering the highest level of specialized stroke care and advanced treatment options.
Protect Your Heart and Brain Health
Your heart and brain depend on one another. Conditions such as high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation can silently increase your risk of stroke, making regular screenings and preventive care especially important.
By understanding your risk factors, managing chronic conditions, and adopting heart-healthy habits, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your stroke risk and support lifelong health.
To learn more about your risk for stroke, fill out our stroke risk scorecard. While several area hospitals are equipped to deal with some aspects of stroke care, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center offering the highest level of expert stroke care.
