A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. It can happen to anyone at any age and is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. While a stroke can occur suddenly and without warning, certain risk factors and root causes increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
Understanding these risk factors and root causes is crucial to preventing strokes and improving treatment outcomes. In this article, we will learn about the root causes and stroke risk factors, highlighting the importance of identifying and managing them to reduce the burden of stroke on individuals and society.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke can be just as life-threatening as a heart attack, and it occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or blocked due to a ruptured or obstructed blood vessel. This results in a lack of blood and oxygen supply to the brain tissues, which can lead to permanent damage or even death.
Stroke is a diverse condition, so establishing risk factors and treatment is dependent on the individual pathophysiology of stroke. The risk factors for stroke can be identified as modifiable and nonmodifiable. Risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke include age, sex, ethnicity, or race, which cannot be modified. In contrast, high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are among the most commonly identified modifiable risk factors.
While age is a significant factor in getting a stroke, it can happen to anyone at any time, making it crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and act quickly. However, it is preventable through lifestyle changes and proper management of risk factors.
Types of Strokes
Strokes often come in three different forms.
1. Ischemic Stroke
The arteries providing blood to the brain constrict or get clogged during an ischemic stroke. These obstructions are caused by blood clots or drastically restricted blood flow to the brain. They can also be caused by plaque pieces breaking off and obstructing a blood artery. Two types of blockages might cause an ischemic stroke.
- Cerebral embolism: It happens when a blood clot develops in another region of the body, most commonly the heart or arteries in the upper chest and neck — and travels through the bloodstream until it reaches an artery that is too small to allow it to pass.
- Cerebral Thrombosis: When a blood clot forms at the fatty plaque within the blood artery, this condition arises.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
It occurs when a cerebral artery ruptures or releases blood. Blood from that artery induces increased pressure in the skull and swelling of the brain, causing damage to brain cells and structures. The two types of hemorrhagic strokes are:
- Intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke: In this type of stroke, when an artery breaks, the tissues around the brain flood with blood. It is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke: It is a rare type of stroke that results in bleeding between the brain and the tissues that surround it.
3. Transient Ischemic Attack
Also known as a ministroke, it happens when the brain's blood supply is momentarily interrupted. The signs resemble those of a complete stroke. But they usually pass quickly after a few minutes to a few hours, when the blockage ceases and the blood flow resumes.
Symptoms of a Stroke
When there is a reduced blood supply to the brain, the brain cells get destroyed. Stroke symptoms manifest in the parts of the body controlled by the affected regions of the brain.
The quicker a stroke victim receives treatment, the higher the chances of recovery. Hence, knowing the symptoms of a stroke might help you respond fast. Some of the much prevalent stroke symptoms are:
- Difficulty communicating and hearing: It becomes difficult to communicate with others (aphasia) and listen to what others are saying. It's more likely that you will sound perplexed, mumble, or find it difficult to follow conversations.
- Face, arm, or leg paralysis: You may suddenly feel numbness, weakness, or paralysis in your legs, arms, or face. Usually, just one side of the body shows such symptoms. You may face difficulty in raising both arms above your head. When you try to smile, your mouth may droop, which could be another indication.
- Headache: A sudden, intense headache may indicate that you are experiencing a stroke if accompanied by vomiting, wooziness, or altered consciousness.
- Difficulty walking: You might trip or get imbalanced. Possible symptoms include a sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
Causes of Stroke
Some disorders that increase your risk of stroke are treatable. Other factors that put you in danger are unavoidable. Some common causes that may lead to a stroke are:
- Clotting disorders
- Atherosclerosis.
- Defects in the heart (atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect)
- Atrial fibrillation (specifically when caused by sleep apnea)
- High blood pressure
- Tumors in the brain (including cancer)
- Microvascular ischemic disease (in which tiny blood arteries in the brain get blocked)
- Alcohol abuse
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Migraine headaches (Individuals who experience migraines have an increased likelihood of experiencing a stroke at some point during their lifetime).
- Type II diabetes.
- Tobacco usage and smoking.
- Misuse of medications (both prescription and non-prescription).
Risk Factors for Stroke
Some risk factors increase your vulnerability to stroke. They include:
- Diet: A bad diet can increase your risk of stroke since it can raise your cholesterol and blood pressure. A healthy option is a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
- Lack of exercise: Inactivity might increase the stroke risk. You need to exercise for at least 2.5 hours every week. A few quick walks each week is a recommended option.
- Heavy drinking: There is a higher risk of stroke with heavy alcohol use. Blood pressure might increase with frequent heavy drinking. Furthermore, it might raise triglyceride levels, which might cause atherosclerosis.
- Nicotine and tobacco use: It can harm the heart and blood vessels. It increases the risk of stroke as it raises blood pressure.
- Family history: Some families have an increased risk of stroke due to inherited health conditions like high blood pressure.
- Age: It may happen at any age, but the risk does rise with age. Strokes in adults are usually a result of lifestyle choices and cardiac-related issues.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a stroke, doctors usually evaluate the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct diagnostic tests. Here are some typical steps in the diagnostic process:
Physical Examination
During your doctor's visit, they may inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and any possible risk factors of stroke, such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, or prior cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, a physical exam may be conducted, which includes checking your blood pressure, heart, and lungs, as well as assessing your neurological functions.
Imaging Tests
Several imaging tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and location of the stroke. These tests include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: It can help identify bleeding in the brain or a blockage of blood flow.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of the brain, allowing healthcare professionals to visualize the affected area and assess the extent of the damage.
- Angiography: It involves injecting a contrast dye and taking X-rays or performing a CT scan or MRI to identify any blockages or abnormalities.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be conducted to evaluate various factors, including blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, clotting factors, and the presence of certain markers that can help identify the cause of the stroke.
Treatment of Stroke:
The treatment of stroke depends on the type of stroke and how quickly medical care is received. Here are some common treatments for stroke:
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
- Clot-busting medication: Also known as thrombolytic therapy, this medication can dissolve the blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain. However, it is time-sensitive and should be administered as soon as possible.
- Mechanical thrombectomy: It involves using a catheter to remove or break up the blood clot, usually with the assistance of specialized devices. This procedure is typically done within a few hours of symptom onset and is often used for larger clots in larger blood vessels.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
- Surgical intervention: In certain cases of hemorrhagic stroke, surgical treatment may be necessary to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain. This can involve removing the blood clot, repairing the ruptured blood vessel, or placing a clip or coil to prevent further bleeding.
- Medications and supportive care: Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke may also involve medications to control blood pressure, reduce brain swelling, prevent seizures, and manage other symptoms.
Additionally, stroke rehabilitation is an important part of the treatment process, regardless of the stroke type. Rehabilitation programs may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions to help individuals regain lost abilities, improve motor skills, and recover as much independence as possible.
How to Avoid Having a Stroke?
Not all strokes can be prevented by altering one's lifestyle. However, a few of these changes can considerably lower your risk of stroke.
- Give up smoking
- Drink in moderation
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Visit the doctor frequently
Final Words:
In conclusion, if you or someone you know experiences any stroke symptoms, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms seem to be mild or fleeting. Don't hesitate to call for emergency medical assistance if you suspect a stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and acting quickly, can help save lives and prevent long-term disability.