The number cause of stroke is high blood pressure or hypertension. A range of 140/90 or higher is where the risk of stroke becomes prominent. The results of hypertension include damage to the major organs including the kidneys, heart and eyes. In addition, high blood pressure can also result in weakened areas in blood vessels which can then burst, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke.
An Ischemic stroke is a condition in which blood vessels have narrowed or become completely blocked. This is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries or a blood clot that eventually blocks the artery therefore cutting off blood flow to the brain. These blood clots can form and travel from other areas of the body or form inside the artery itself.
A blood clot that breaks away from other areas of the body is called an embolism. These types of blood clots create the risk factor of Atrial fibrillation.This occurs when the atria is constantly fluttering and contracting, resulting in the formation of blood clots.
Arterial blood clots are commonly found on plaque deposits. Small cracks formed in the plaque allow cells to build up, thus forming blood clots. As these clots grow and increase in size, blockage of blood flow through the artery occurs. The result of this blockage is that the cells on the other side of the clot become deprived of much needed oxygen and nutrients from the blood resulting in cell death and ischemia. This process than leads to a stroke. It is exactly the same mechanism that causes heart attacks, except it involves the heart.
Different types of stroke:
- Hemorrhagic: Bleeding into the brain caused by a ruptured blood vessel. - Ischemic: Caused by narrowed or occluded arteries due to plaque deposits.
Causes:
- Heart Disease - Atrial Fibrillation - Hypertension - Heart Disease
Risk factors for stroke include:
- Age - Ethnicity - High Blood Pressure - Heart Disease - Diabetes - Family Health History - High Serum Cholesterol Levels - Prior Stroke
Broken bones are another risk factor for stroke. This is especially worrisome for the elderly. Tissue from a fractured bone can travel through the bloodstream into the lungs resulting in respiratory failure. In addition, the tissue can travel to the brain resulting in a stroke or to the heart causing a heart attack.
The ability to reduce risk factors and implement preventative methods work together against fighting this illness which causes severe disability.
Preventative Methods:
- Maintain normal blood pressure - Maintain blood sugar levels - Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
A healthy diet: Vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains such as breads, cereals, nuts and pastas combined with lean meats such as fish and poultry are a great beginning. Another great step is to reduce the consumption of red meat to one per month. Providing a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber is an excellent way to prevent this illness from occurring as well as lower your risk factors.
An Ischemic stroke is a condition in which blood vessels have narrowed or become completely blocked. This is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries or a blood clot that eventually blocks the artery therefore cutting off blood flow to the brain. These blood clots can form and travel from other areas of the body or form inside the artery itself.
A blood clot that breaks away from other areas of the body is called an embolism. These types of blood clots create the risk factor of Atrial fibrillation.This occurs when the atria is constantly fluttering and contracting, resulting in the formation of blood clots.
Arterial blood clots are commonly found on plaque deposits. Small cracks formed in the plaque allow cells to build up, thus forming blood clots. As these clots grow and increase in size, blockage of blood flow through the artery occurs. The result of this blockage is that the cells on the other side of the clot become deprived of much needed oxygen and nutrients from the blood resulting in cell death and ischemia. This process than leads to a stroke. It is exactly the same mechanism that causes heart attacks, except it involves the heart.
Different types of stroke:
- Hemorrhagic: Bleeding into the brain caused by a ruptured blood vessel. - Ischemic: Caused by narrowed or occluded arteries due to plaque deposits.
Causes:
- Heart Disease - Atrial Fibrillation - Hypertension - Heart Disease
Risk factors for stroke include:
- Age - Ethnicity - High Blood Pressure - Heart Disease - Diabetes - Family Health History - High Serum Cholesterol Levels - Prior Stroke
Broken bones are another risk factor for stroke. This is especially worrisome for the elderly. Tissue from a fractured bone can travel through the bloodstream into the lungs resulting in respiratory failure. In addition, the tissue can travel to the brain resulting in a stroke or to the heart causing a heart attack.
The ability to reduce risk factors and implement preventative methods work together against fighting this illness which causes severe disability.
Preventative Methods:
- Maintain normal blood pressure - Maintain blood sugar levels - Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
A healthy diet: Vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains such as breads, cereals, nuts and pastas combined with lean meats such as fish and poultry are a great beginning. Another great step is to reduce the consumption of red meat to one per month. Providing a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber is an excellent way to prevent this illness from occurring as well as lower your risk factors.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Stroke Recovery Recipes and Common Effects of Stroke.
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