There are two main causes of strokes: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke
- Ischemic stroke : This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as a thrombus, blocks or plugs an artery leading to the brain. A blood clot often forms in arteries damaged by a buildup of plaques, known as atherosclerosis, which can occur in the carotid artery of the neck as well as other arteries
. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke and are caused by a combination of factors, including
:
* Smoking
* High blood pressure (hypertension)
* Obesity
* High cholesterol levels
* Diabetes
* Excessive alcohol intake
* Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Hemorrhagic stroke : This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel inside the skull bursts and bleeds into and around the brain. The main cause of hemorrhagic stroke is high blood pressure, which can weaken the arteries in the brain and make them more likely to split or rupture
. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes but can be more serious
Some factors that can increase the risk of stroke include
:
- Age (more common in people over 55)
- Family history
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
It is essential to identify and manage the risk factors for stroke to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, but others can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical interventions
