Causes and Risk Factors of Stroke

Strokes are the 3^rd leading cause of death in the US with approximately 250,000 deaths a year. The Internet Stroke Center at Washington University estimates that each year in the US approximately 795,000 people have a stroke. While many survive, they sometimes are faced with long-lasting side effects.

A stroke occurs when something in your body causes an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain. Without blood, the brain cannot get oxygen. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die. The damage done by a stroke can be mild or severe and transient or permanent. Because a stroke affects the brain problems can occur with thinking, speaking and movement.

The risk factors for a stroke can be divided into those that we cannot control behaviors that can be controlled and medical conditions that have already developed.

Personal risk factors that no one can control.

Age: the risk of a stroke increases as you age with most strokes occur in persons over 65.

Gender: women are more likely to have a stroke than men especially as they age.

Ethnicity: Strokes are more likely in African Americans and adults with Hispanic heritage.

Genetics and Family. Sometimes young persons have strokes. In families where this happens stokes are more likely with other family members.

There are risk factors that are directly related to our choices and behaviors and can be controlled.

Smoking: cigarette smoking is a primary risk factor for stroke. Regardless of how long you have smoked you can reduce your risk by stopping now.

Obesity: because obesity and overweight directly influence the health of your heart and veins you should work to decrease saturated fat intake and lower your weight.

Being physically inactive: Increasing your physical activity will increase your heart health and help you maintain your weight at a healthful level.

Excessive alcohol intake: While there are reports of the health effects of moderate intake of red wine, excessive alcohol intake will put you at risk for stroke.

Your current medical condition that put you at risk for a stroke. The following conditions are especially important to monitor.

A previous stroke: If you have had a stoke already, even a mini-stroke or what is called a TIA or transient ischemic attack, you are more likely to have another.Your doctor may prescribe medication and will counsel you to change any behaviors on the list above.

High blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major cause of stokes because of the damage it does to the arteries. You will be counseled to reduce your salt intake, reduce your weight, stop smoking and increase your physical activity. Your doctor may prescribe medication.

Diabetes: Persons with diabetes often have high blood pressure and heart disease.Along with changing the behaviors listed above, it is important that you carefully control your blood sugar as high blood sugar can lead to damage to the veins and arteries and increase your risk.

Heart Disease: A recent heart attack, congested arteries, and congestive heart failure all put you at risk for stroke. Follow your doctor's orders carefully as you recover.

The best treatment for stroke is prevention. If you smoke - quit. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control and keeping them under control - will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

Sources: www.strokecenter.org