What causes a stroke?
What causes a stroke?
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, usually due to a blood clot blocking a blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. But what actually causes a stroke? There are several factors that can increase the risk of stroke:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure is the main risk factor for stroke. It damages the blood vessel walls over time and increases the risk of blood clots forming.
- High cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increase the risk of stroke.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots. In addition, smoking contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including stroke. High blood sugar can damage the walls of blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.
- Atrial fibrillation: This is an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to the formation of blood clots, which in turn can cause a stroke if they break loose and travel to the brain.
- Age: The risk of stroke increases with age. The older you get, the higher the risk.
- Overweight and obesity: Overweight and obesity are linked to other risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.
- Stress and depression: Chronic stress and depression can increase the risk of stroke by negatively affecting blood pressure and other cardiovascular functions.
The risk factors can be controlled or minimized with healthy lifestyle choices
It is important to remember that these risk factors can be controlled or minimized by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and following your doctor’s advice to manage diabetes or other underlying health condition. Being aware of these risk factors and taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of stroke and promote overall health and well-being.
READ ABOUT HOW SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN INCREASE SAFETY AFTER A STROKE