Stroke affects more than 700,000 people each year. Despite medical advances, stroke remains the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability
What Is A Stroke?
A stroke is, literally, a "brain attack." A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (moves blood through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.
Strokes can be classified into to main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked and impairs blood flow to the brain. Brain cells and tissue begin to die from lack of oxygen and nutrients within minutes of the blockage occurring. About 80% of strokes fall into this category.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery supplying the brain ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Brain cells and tissues do not receive oxygen and nutrients when a rupture occurs. Irritation and swelling of the surrounding tissues can also occur due to pressure build up. About 20% of strokes fit into this category.
Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are each broken down into two categories. For more on these categories, visit the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Risk Factors
Anyone can have a stroke. Man or woman, old or young. There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of having a stroke.
Some of these can’t be changed:
- Age (over 55)
- Sex (male)
- Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders are at greater risk)
- Family history
Others can be changed. These include:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
How Can I Prevent A Stroke?
Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable. To help reduce your risks of having a stroke, there are some things you can do. You can start by exercising regularly, reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your nutrition and quit smoking. For more steps you can take to help reduce your risk of stroke, visit the National Stroke Association.
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