The Link Between The Heart and Strokes

The heart plays a crucial role in strokes, particularly ischemic (es-skeem-ic) strokes, which account for approximately 87% of cases, according to the CDC, American Heart Association, the NIH, etc. 

The following are examples of how heart issues affect strokes.

Atrial Fibrillation: This is one of the most common ones.  It relates to the heart’s rhythm.  When the heart’s rhythm is irregular, blood can pool and form clots. These clots can travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke.

• Blood thinners are used to control this problem and others.

Heart Failure/Valve Disease: These can reduce blood flow efficiency, increasing stroke risk.

Additional Connections: 

• High blood pressure: weakens arteries.

• Previous Heart Attacks: damages heart muscles, producing clots.

• Congenital Heart Disease affects the heart’s strength. 

SUMMARY

The heart and brain are closely linked.  Thus, maintaining heart health through managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and arrhythmias is vital to preventing strokes.

MY STROKE

In my case, my ischemic stroke was caused by a combination of uncontrolled high blood pressure and an unknown (at the time) sensitivity to high altitudes.