A stroke and a heart attack are both medical emergencies that can be fatal. The difference between them is the cause and the part of the body they affect.
A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted, which can cause brain cells to die. This interruption is usually caused by a blockage or rupture in a blood vessel. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of balance.
A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart becomes blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.