Guide To Significant Stroke Causes And Risk Factors

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency where an individual experiences brain damage caused by a lack of blood supply to parts of the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels in the brain ruptures and begins to bleed into the brain tissues, and an ischemic stroke occurs when a blockage occurs from a clot or embolus lodged in a blood vessel in the brain. An individual who is having a stroke experiences symptoms such as facial numbness and weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, balance loss, coordination loss, sudden severe headache, vision issues, and difficulty walking. When a stroke is suspected, blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, carotid ultrasound, cerebral angiogram, echocardiogram, and a physical examination can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The way a stroke is treated depends on the stroke type, location, and extent of brain damage.

Several factors can cause a stroke or increase the risk of a stroke. Get familiar with these causes and risk factors now.

Being Overweight Or Obese

An individual is at a significantly higher risk of having a stroke by being overweight or obese due to several stroke-promoting mechanisms. Being overweight or obese is associated with a diet high in fat and sugar. This type of diet causes metabolic disorders to be more prevalent among overweight or obese individuals. Excess adipose tissue in individuals who are overweight or obese tends to release toxic substances into the bloodstream and body that cause extensive inflammation. Inflammation is a critical key to the process of the formation of plaque inside of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. High blood sugar is also a key contributor to inflammation in the body. Overweight or obese individuals have a higher total blood volume than those who have a healthy body mass index because more blood is needed to supply the extra adipose tissues in the body. High blood volume causes high blood pressure, which also contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and other factors that can result in both an ischemic and a hemorrhagic stroke. Overweight or obese individuals are at an increased risk of a stroke due to the combination of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation in their body.

Uncover more risk factors linked to a stroke now.