[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/heart-health-and-stroke\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/heart-health-and-stroke\/","headline":"Heart Health & Stroke Risk: What’s the Link?","name":"Heart Health & Stroke Risk: What’s the Link?","description":"Heart disease and stroke can sometimes go hand in hand. Both are leading causes of death in the United States, but in many cases, both are also preventable.","datePublished":"2016-05-06","dateModified":"2019-04-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/stroke-and-heart-health-web.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/stroke-and-heart-health-web.jpg","height":527,"width":790},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/heart-health-and-stroke\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":524,"keywords":["heart disease","stroke"],"articleBody":"Heart disease and stroke can sometimes go hand in hand. Both are leading causes of death in the United States, but in many cases,\u00a0both conditions are preventable.Many of the same healthy habits that lower your risk for heart problems can also lower your risk of stroke. Learn\u00a0about the link between heart health and brain health, your risk factors, and what you can do to keep your risk low.What Is a Stroke?A stroke is a serious, potentially deadly medical emergency. During a stroke, blood flow is blocked to a part of your brain, which means your brain cells can’t get the oxygen they need. When this happens, your brain cells can become damaged or even die. There are two main types of stroke, including:Ischemic, when an artery that brings blood to your brain becomes blocked, usually by plaque or a blood clotHemorrhagic, when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or burstsStroke SymptomsSome symptoms of stroke can include:Sudden weaknessNumbness on one side of the face, arm, or legTrouble speakingLoss of vision, double vision, or trouble seeing in one eyeDizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walkingSudden, severe headacheIf you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 right away. It’s very important to get treatment as soon as possible.How Are Heart Health and Brain Health Linked?Heart and brain health are linked by common risk factors, including:Having high cholesterolHaving high blood pressureSmokingHaving diabetesNot getting regular physical activityBeing overweight or obeseAnd, you may have a higher risk of stroke if you have:Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which can make your blood vessels narrow or completely blocked by a hard substance called plaque.Atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common kind of irregular heartbeat. With AFib, your heart can’t beat as effectively as it should, which can make it easier for blood to pool and clot.Heart failure, which happens when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.\u00a0How to Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease and StrokeIf you’re not sure where to start, talk with your doctor. Have a checkup so you can learn the basic facts about your health, like your blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood sugar level. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, your family history, and your habits to find out if you’re at risk.There’s a lot you can do to help keep your heart, blood vessels, and brain healthy, including:Eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat or fat-free dairy productsLimiting the amount of salt, fat, and sugar you eatGetting regular physical activityQuitting smoking or using tobacco productsFinding healthy ways to cope with stressKeeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar levelsTo learn more, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484)\u00a0and visit one of our heart screenings to gain more insight into your health."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"05","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/05\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Heart Health & Stroke Risk: What’s the Link?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/heart-health-and-stroke\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]