What are the Main Causes of Stroke?
September 5, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Strokes can occur due to various factors, but they generally have two primary causes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Here are the main causes of each type:
- Ischemic Stroke:
- Atherosclerosis: This is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries that can narrow or block blood flow to the brain. Plaque can rupture or form blood clots, which can block an artery and cause an ischemic stroke.
- Embolic Stroke: An embolus is a clot or debris that travels from another part of the body (often the heart) to the brain, blocking a blood vessel.
- Small Vessel Disease: Damage to the small blood vessels in the brain can lead to the formation of blood clots, causing a stroke.
- Thrombotic Stroke: A thrombus is a blood clot that forms in one of the brain’s blood vessels, typically due to atherosclerosis or other conditions that promote clot formation.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke:
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. It can result from conditions like high blood pressure, aneurysms, or vascular malformations.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This occurs when there is bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membranes (subarachnoid space). Subarachnoid hemorrhages are often caused by ruptured brain aneurysms.
Other factors that can increase the risk of stroke include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of atherosclerosis, making it a major risk factor for stroke.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- High cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis.
- Atrial fibrillation: This heart rhythm disorder can lead to the formation of blood clots in the heart that may travel to the brain and cause strokes.
- Obesity: Obesity is associated with multiple risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to obesity and other risk factors.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use can raise blood pressure and contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Illegal drug use: Some drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can increase the risk of stroke due to their effects on blood pressure and blood vessels.
It’s important to note that many strokes can be prevented or the risk significantly reduced through lifestyle modifications, such as managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and controlling underlying medical conditions. If you suspect someone is having a stroke or experience stroke symptoms yourself (sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, severe headache), seek immediate medical attention, as early intervention can improve outcomes.