India, July 24 -- A heart attack and a stroke are often spoken about in the same breath - and for good reason. Both are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate attention, yet they are not interchangeable. Despite sharing many risk factors, the two conditions develop differently, and understanding those differences can help you recognise an emergency sooner, seek timely treatment and potentially save a life.

Dr Nicole Harkin, a San Francisco-based cardiologist, internal medicine specialist and founder of Whole Heart Cardiology, is breaking down the key differences between a heart attack and a stroke. In an Instagram video shared on 3 December 2025, she explains, "Heart attack vs. stroke - two emergencies, one major dif...