Why do we care about stroke?

A stroke and a heart attack may seem very different, but they have a lot in common.

A heart attack happens when a clot in one of the vessels of the heart (coronary arteries) blocks the flow of blood. Part of the heart is deprived of oxygen, damaging the heart muscle.

A stroke happens when a clot in one of the vessels of the brain blocks the flow of blood. The part of the brain where the clot occurs is damaged.

A stroke may also happen when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into your brain, damaging brain tissue.

Watch how blocked blood vessels can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  

British Heart Foundation support

Have you or has someone you know suffered a stroke? Find out more about stroke and your heart, or call the Heart Helpline today.