Heart disease can mean greater risk for stroke, too

If you're at risk for, or have been diagnosed with, coronary artery disease (CAD), you've likely been told you have a greater risk for a heart attack. But did you know you're also at greater risk for stroke? The accumulation of plaque in your coronary arteries that restricts blood flow to your heart can occur in your carotid arteries leading to your brain, too, which can lead to stroke.

Know your risk

If you have risk factors for CAD, such as obesity, smoking, cholesterol or family history, you should talk with your primary care provider about screening for heart disease and stroke.