A stroke occurs when there is either a break or block in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Strokes that result from blocked arteries are referred to as ischemic; strokes that result from a break in an artery are referred to as hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are far more common than hemorrhagic strokes. There is no simple cause of either kind of stroke, but there are a number of risk factors associated with stroke occurrence in general. Many of these risk factors can be controlled.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force exerted on the arterial walls to circulate blood. In the case of high blood pressure, or hypertension, the system is working harder than normal and strains the vessels of the circulatory system. According the National Institute of Health National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), high blood pressure is found in one of every three American adults. Blood pressure is categorized as high when the lower number, or diastolic pressure, rises above 90 and the higher number, or systolic pressure, rises about 140. High blood pressure can be controlled with medication and can be significantly affected by lifestyle including exercise regime, diet and weight management.
Cigarette Smoking
According to the American Heart Association, about 20 percent of adult Americans smoke. Moreover, smoking increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance, and increases the tendency for blood to clot. Cigarette smoking results in the buildup of fat substances in the carotid artery, which is the main line of blood supply to the brain; blockage of this artery is the leading cause of stroke in Americans. Reduction in, or quitting, smoking at any time or age will reduce the risk of lung disease, heart disease and stroke.
Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease, valve defects, irregular heart beat and enlargement of the heart's chambers are the most common forms of heart disease. The result of a build up or thickening of blood along the arteries increases the chance that a blood clot may break loose and block vessels that supply blood to the brain. Aspirin is the most common and readily available forms of treatment that may be used to prevent the formation of blood clots. According to the National Institute of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke (NINDS), all individuals older than age 50 should consider aspirin therapy.
