common heart attack and stroke symptoms
Article Highlights
  • It’s important to know the difference between a stroke and a heart attack. Heart attacks and strokes occur for many reasons and affect different parts of the body. A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
  • People with diabetes are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and lead to plaque buildup. Additionally, diabetes often comes with other risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which further strain the heart and brain.
  • Warning signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack for men and women can be different. Knowing the signs can help you get treatment earlier, leading to better outcomes.
  • Lifestyle modifications and regular health monitoring can reduce your risk for both heart attack and stroke.

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Are you familiar with the difference between a stroke and a heart attack? Do you know heart attack vs stroke symptoms? This is important to know because diabetes can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack. 

While heart problems with diabetes are common, there are many ways you can be proactive in protecting your cardiovascular health to reduce your risk.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than people without diabetes. Why are diabetes and heart health so closely linked?

The risk of heart disease–particularly for people with type 2 diabetes–is higher for several reasons:

  • Prolonged periods of high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time
  • Insulin resistance can contribute to inflammation
  • High blood pressure can strain the heart
  • High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol contributes to narrowing of arteries
  • Many people with diabetes struggle with weight management and physical activity, which are crucial for heart health

What Is the Difference between a Stroke and a Heart Attack?

Heart attacks and strokes affect different parts of the body. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, often due to a buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, or other substances (plaques) in the coronary arteries.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in brain tissue. This can result in brain cell death and potentially long-term neurological damage.

There are two main types of strokes: 

  • Ischemic Strokes – Caused by a blockage in an artery (or in rare instances, a vein). About 87% of all strokes are ischemic.
  • Hemorrhagic Strokes – Resulting from a ruptured blood vessel that causes bleeding in or around the brain. About 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic.

Many people ask if it’s possible to have a stroke from diabetes. It is true that diabetes raises your risk of stroke, but strokes can happen to anyone, not just people with diabetes. 

Below, we break down many of the heart attack vs. stroke symptoms in detail.

First Signs of a Heart Attack: What to Watch For

Heart attacks can show up differently in men and women. Also, if you have diabetes, you might experience a “silent” heart attack or “silent” stroke. This means you might not feel the typical symptoms like chest pain or severe headaches because diabetes can affect how your body signals pain. This occurs due to diabetic neuropathy, which can dampen pain signals. That’s why it’s extra important to know all the possible warning signs.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Men

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

  • Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the center of the chest, it can last for a few minutes or come and go.
  • Pain Radiating to Other Areas: Pain can spread to other parts of the upper body such as the arms (particularly the left), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. The pain may vary in intensity but tends to be persistent and is not alleviated by rest.
  • Shortness of Breath: Can occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Cold Sweats: Sudden sweating not related to physical exertion or environmental factors.
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Dizziness or Light-headedness: Feeling faint or dizzy can accompany other symptoms.

Some symptoms are similar to those often experienced in men, with slight variations:

  • Chest Discomfort, Stomach Pain, or Indigestion: Women may not always experience severe chest pain. Instead, they may feel pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest that can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. It may come and go or persist.
  • Pain in Other Areas: Pain can radiate to the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Some women may experience pain in both arms or between the shoulder blades. This symptom is often mistaken for muscle strain or tension.
  • Shortness of Breath: This symptom may occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Unusual Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, even with minimal exertion.
  • Nausea, Indigestion, or Vomiting
  • Sweating: Women may experience breaking out in a cold sweat, similar to men.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady can signal a heart attack.

Stroke Signs: What to Watch For

Can diabetes cause a stroke? Diabetes can increase the risk of having a stroke. A stroke happens when blood can’t get to part of your brain, either because of a blockage or bleeding. Time is super important here–the faster you spot the signs and get help, the better the chances of a good recovery.

common stroke warning signs

Remembering the FAST stroke symptoms can lead to FASTER treatment and better outcomes. 

Common Symptoms of Stroke for Both Men and Women

Additional Stroke Symptoms in Women​

  • Sudden Numbness or Weakness in the face, arm, or leg
  • Confusion or Trouble Speaking
  • Trouble Seeing
  • Sudden Severe Headache
  • Dizziness, Loss of Balance, or Difficulty Walking
  • Hiccups
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • General Weakness
  • Chest Pain

The key point to remember is that stroke symptoms in women can be different than those experienced by men. So if something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Can a Stroke Cause a Heart Attack?

Yes, a stroke can increase the risk of a heart attack because both conditions share common risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Additionally, a stroke can put extra strain on the heart, which might lead to a heart attack in some cases.

Preventative Measures for Better Heart Health

No matter where you’re starting from, there are lots of proactive steps you can take to protect your heart health: 

  1. Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep blood sugar within the target range as advised by your healthcare provider as much as possible.
  2. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
  3. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Fill your plate with whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and veggies. Limit processed foods, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
  4. Stay Active – Physically and Mentally: Get moving in ways that work for you – aim for about 30 minutes of activity, 5 days a week. Engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being.
  5. Quit Smoking
  6. Take Medications as Prescribed
  7. Keep Up with Regular Checkups
  8. Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
  9. Pay Attention to Symptoms: Be aware of any unusual sensations in the chest, jaw, neck, back, or arms. Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or extreme fatigue should also be taken seriously.
  10. Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in minimizing damage to the heart muscle.

Key Takeaways

Education and awareness play important roles in lowering your risk for heart problems with diabetes.

Recognizing signs of heart attack and stroke early can lead to faster medical intervention and better outcomes. Adopting a proactive approach and getting regular screenings can also help catch potential issues early.  

If something feels off, don’t wait! When it comes to heart attacks and strokes, time is critical. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

Leave a Reply