A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, either due to a block in the artery or due to a rupture of blood vessels, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain tissue leading to damage or death of brain cells. The exact cause of a stroke can vary, but several known risk factors can increase the likelihood of having one. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of a stroke.
Risk Factors of Stroke
Several factors can increase the risk of a stroke, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and family history.
- Smoking and Alcohol: A person who smokes regularly is 6 times more likely to suffer from stroke compared to a non-smoker. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases the risk of all types of stroke.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure poses stroke risks in multiple ways. It damages blood vessels, narrowing them and hindering clot passage, which can cause ischemic strokes. Small brain vessels can also be harmed, elevating the risk of strokes. In severe cases of high blood pressure, blood vessels may stretch beyond their capacity, leading to ruptures in the brain and hemorrhagic strokes. These various mechanisms emphasize the importance of managing hypertension to reduce stroke risk.
- Diabetes Mellitus: People who have diabetes mellitus are 2 times as likely to have a stroke compared to people who do not have diabetes. Increased glucose levels in the blood damage the blood vessels, leading to a further risk of clot formation resulting in thromboembolic stroke.
- Cholesterol: Serum triglyceride levels of >200 mg/dl are found to be associated with an increased risk for stroke by nearly 30 percent. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can cause a build-up of fatty deposits along the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowing of arteries and increased stiffness. Such damage to the artery wall has a high risk of clot formation, which if travels to the brain can cause a stroke.
Non – Modifiable Risk Factors
There are certain other risk factors that are non-modifiable. They include age, race-ethnicity, sex, and genetics.
- The risk of stroke increases with age, with the incidence doubling for each decade after 55 years of age.
- African Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk of stroke than other races
- The relationship of sex to stroke risk depends on age. At a young age, women have a higher risk of stroke than men because of risks related to pregnancy and the postpartum state, as well as other hormonal factors, such as use of hormonal contraceptives. Although at older ages the relative risk is slightly higher for men.
- Genetic factors with parental history and family history generally increase the risk of stroke.
In conclusion, a stroke is a medical condition that can have long-term effects on the body as well as the mind. It is essential to recognize the risk factors and take preventive measures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of having a stroke. Ayurveda medical care at AvurVAID Hospitals can help you with appropriate guidance about risk factors of stroke, its ways of prevention, and also help with stroke management by providing personalized treatment plans that are specific to every individual depending on multiple factors like the onset and type of stroke.
