8 Causes of Stroke That You Should Beware

Factors That Cause Strokes

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or cut off, leading to damage to brain cells.
Stroke symptoms can vary, ranging from muscle weakness to speech difficulties.
Therefore, understanding its causes is crucial, especially for those who have had a stroke or are at risk of experiencing one.

1. Obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for stroke, primarily because it can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. Excess body weight puts additional strain on the heart, leading to clogged arteries due to fat buildup, ultimately raising blood pressure.

Obesity is also associated with metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. These conditions damage blood vessels and elevate stroke risk. To reduce the likelihood of a stroke, managing weight through a healthy lifestyle is essential.

2. Smoking

Another key cause of stroke is smoking. It is a major risk factor for various chronic diseases, including stroke. The nicotine in cigarettes increases blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke. Additionally, cigarette smoke can damage blood vessels, cause fatty buildup in arteries, and thicken the blood. Continuous exposure to cigarette smoke (especially for passive smokers) also increases this risk.

3. High Blood Pressure

You may already know that high blood pressure is a primary cause of stroke. High blood pressure can damage or rupture blood vessels in the brain, leading to a stroke. It’s vital to regularly monitor blood pressure and take steps to control it, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90, consult a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.

4. Heart Disease

Heart disease and stroke are closely connected because both involve the body's circulatory system. Heart issues, like irregular heartbeats or blood clots, can increase the risk of a stroke.

5. Genetics

This factor significantly impacts an individual's stroke risk. If you have a family member with a history of stroke, your risk of experiencing a similar condition is higher. Genetic factors play a critical role in determining stroke risk, making it essential to understand your family’s health history and undergo regular health screenings.

6. Age

While age is not the sole determining factor, the risk of stroke generally increases with age, particularly after 55 years. As a person ages, the likelihood of experiencing a stroke tends to rise. This underscores the importance of recognizing increased stroke risk in older individuals and taking preventive measures.

7. High Cholesterol

Uncontrolled high cholesterol is a severe risk factor for stroke. When cholesterol levels are too high, fatty substances can accumulate in the walls of blood vessels. Over time, these deposits can form plaques that narrow blood vessels, obstructing smooth blood flow throughout the body. Consequently, blood cells may struggle to flow properly, raising the risk of severe conditions like stroke.

8. Diabetes

Diabetes increases stroke risk indirectly. People with diabetes often experience high blood pressure and are more likely to be overweight. Both conditions raise the risk of stroke. Furthermore, diabetes can damage blood vessels, making a stroke more likely.

Types of Stroke

Strokes can be classified into two types based on their causes:

Ischemic Stroke

This type of stroke happens when the arteries carrying blood and oxygen to the brain become blocked or narrowed, restricting or halting blood flow to the brain. This condition is known as ischemia.
 

There are two subtypes of ischemic stroke:

• Thrombotic Stroke: This occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, blocks an artery, impeding blood flow.
   

• Embolic Stroke: This happens when an embolus (a blood clot or foreign object) travels through the bloodstream to the brain, causing a blockage.

Recommended Read: What is an Ischemic Stroke?

Hemorrhagic Stroke

This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to leak into the brain tissue. The bleeding can result from uncontrolled high blood pressure, weakened blood vessels, or the use of blood-thinning medications.
 

Hemorrhagic stroke is also divided into two subtypes:
 

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Happens when a blood vessel within the brain ruptures, causing blood to leak into the brain tissue.
   

• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Occurs when a blood vessel on the brain’s surface ruptures, causing bleeding between the brain and skull.

Recommended Read: What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Differences Between Right-Side and Left-Side Stroke

The differences between right-side and left-side strokes lie in the affected brain area and the impact on body functions and cognition.

Affected Brain Area:

• Right-Side Stroke: Affects the right side of the brain. It may result from blockage or rupture of blood vessels on the right side.
   

• Left-Side Stroke: Affects the left side of the brain. It may result from blockage or rupture of blood vessels on the left side.

Impact on the Body:

• Right-Side Stroke: Impacts the left side of the body, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis.
   

• Left-Side Stroke: Impacts the right side of the body, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis.

Cognitive Impact:

• Right-Side Stroke: May affect emotional understanding, facial recognition, and spatial awareness.
   

• Left-Side Stroke: May impair speech, writing, numerical comprehension, and logical thinking.

Conclusion

Recognizing stroke risk factors is vital in safeguarding our health. Make sure you are protected from unexpected financial risks by opting for stroke insurance coverage. By understanding factors like obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, genetics, age, high cholesterol, and diabetes, you can take preventive measures against stroke. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and regularly monitoring your health can help reduce stroke risk and enhance quality of life.