A blockage in an artery can cause either a heart attack or stroke. When an artery that supplies blood to the heart is blocked, a heart attack occurs. A stroke or brain attack occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked.
Blocked arteries are usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits inside large and medium-sized arteries. As the walls thicken and harden with fatty deposits (also called plaque), the passage for blood flow narrows or becomes completely blocked. A lack of blood results in the death of the heart muscle in the area where the blood supply is cut off, or in the case of a stroke, the death of brain tissue. A stroke can also be caused by a hemorrhage, which is bleeding from a weakened blood vessel in the brain.
The buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis and is associated with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and aging. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, lipids, and cellular debris. The condition can cause either a total blockage of an artery or a blood clot to form. A blood clot can stop the flow of blood through the artery or break off and travel to a narrower artery, causing a blockage there.
A hemorrhage affecting the heart or brain may result from:
- a buildup of pressure in a narrowed artery affected by atherosclerosis or
- weakened walls of an artery affected by high blood pressure or other disease
Although hardening and thickening of the arteries occurs slowly, the final blockage can occur suddenly. The ultimate risk of a blockage in the heart or brain depends on the severity of the blockage and where it occurs. The result can range from temporary symptoms, or fairly minor problems, to major disability or death.
Sometimes reduced blood flow in an artery in the brain or heart results in temporary symptoms. In the heart, this condition is called angina and usually results in chest pain. In the brain, this is called transient ischemic attack and may result in:
- confusion
- weakness of an arm or leg
- difficulty with speech or
- other neurologic symptoms lasting less than 24 hours
Risk factors for heart attack and stroke include:
- cigarette smoking
- being overweight
- high blood cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- fatty diet
- diabetes
- lack of exercise and
- family history
If you have one or more of these risk factors, then you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Lowering blood cholesterol levels reduces deaths from heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider may control high blood cholesterol levels. Stopping smoking is an important change you can make to decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Schedule routine checkups with your healthcare provider if you have:
- a history of high cholesterol
- a family history of strokes or heart attacks or
- a history of high blood pressure
Last Reviewed 2005
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIL File CARD4303.RF2 VRS# 4303 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 2000, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved. |
