What Causes a Stroke?

​Strokes can happen to anyone at anytime. Stroke is when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can take place either through blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. Blockage of a blood vessel that causes a stroke is called ischemic stroke. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. (Neurosciences - Stroke Facts, 2018b)

Bleeding in a blood vessel that causes a stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke. These disruptions in blood flow cause oxygen deprivation in cells that kills them. According to utmbhealth, there are more than 795,000 people in the United States that have a stroke. 185,000 of the 795,000 total individuals have had a previous stroke or 1 in 4 individuals. (Neurosciences - Stroke Facts, 2018b)

So how do we identify a stroke and what are stroke symptoms? An easy acronym is used to remember the symptoms of a stroke, the acronym FAST. FAST stands for face weakness, arm weakness, speech problems, and time to call 911 if you see any one of these signs. Calling 911 immediately gives the individuals the highest chances of survival. Paramedics are trained on emergency stroke care and the special treatment that can help. Other symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness or numbness in one one side of your body, including legs, hands, or feet. Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences, sudden blurred vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes. Sudden memory loss, confusion, dizziness, unsteadiness, sudden fall, or a sudden severe headache. Even if these symptoms occur even for a short amount of time call 911 right away. (Stroke Association, 2023) According to utmbhealth up to 80% of strokes are preventable. (Neurosciences - Stroke Facts, 2018b)

What increases the chances of getting a stroke? There are many factors that affect the chances of you getting a stroke including high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol. Below you will find a list of twenty more factors that can increase the chances of you getting a stroke. 

1. Family history of stroke increases your chance for stroke. (Neurosciences - Stroke Facts, 2018b)
2. Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the brain.
3. Heart disease is the second most important risk factor for stroke, and the major cause of death among survivors of stroke. Heart disease and stroke have many of the same risk factors.
4. People with diabetes are at greater risk for a stroke than someone without diabetes.
5. Smoking almost doubles your risk for an ischemic stroke.
6. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
7. History of TIAs (transient ischemic attacks increases your chances for stroke). TIAs are often called mini-strokes. They have the same symptoms as stroke, but the symptoms don’t last. If you have had one or more TIAs, you are almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who has not had a TIA.
8. High red blood cell count increases your chances for stoke. A significant increase in the number of red blood cells thickens the blood and makes clots more likely. This raises the risk for stroke.
9. High cholesterol levels can contribute to thickening or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by a buildup of plaque. Plaque is deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and calcium. Plaque buildup on the inside of the artery walls can decrease the amount of blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs if the blood supply is cut off to the brain.
10. Lack of exercise.
11. Excessive alcohol use can be a factor that increases your chances for a stroke. More than 2 drinks per day raises your blood pressure. Binge drinking can lead to stroke.
12. IV (intravenous) drug abuse carries a high risk of stroke from blood clots (cerebral embolisms). Cocaine and other drugs have been closely linked to strokes, heart attacks, and many other cardiovascular problems.
13. Some types of heart disease can raise your risk for stroke. Having an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) is the most powerful and treatable heart risk factor of stroke.
14. Cardiac structural abnormalities can increase the chances of stroke. Damaged heart valves (valvular heart disease) can cause long-term (chronic) heart damage. Over time, this can raise your risk for stroke.

Risk factors for stroke that can’t be changed:

1. For each decade of life after age 55, your chance of having a stroke more than doubles.
2. African Americans have a much higher risk for death and disability from a stroke than whites. This is partly because the African-American population has a greater incidence of high blood pressure.
3. Stroke occurs more often in men, but more women than men die from stroke.
4. You are at higher risk for having a second stroke after you have already had a stroke.
5. Heredity or genetics can determine whether you have a higher chance of getting a stroke. The chance of stroke is greater in people with a family history of stroke.

Other risk factors include:

1. Where you live can determine whether you have a higher chance of getting a stroke. Strokes are more common among people living in the southeastern U.S. than in other areas. This may be because of regional differences in lifestyle, race, smoking habits, and diet.
2. Temperature, season, and climate can determine whether you have a higher chance of getting a stroke. Stroke deaths occur more often during extreme temperatures.
3. Social and economic factors can determine whether you have a higher chance of getting a stroke. There is some evidence that strokes are more common among low-income people.

(Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)

In conclusion there are many factors that contribute to a stroke. The recovery can be a life long journey, but you don't have to do it alone. A caregiver can help! Caregivers can help with therapies, transportation, mobility assistance, meal prep, companionship, mobility assistance, and incontinence care. Click here to view the care plan and take the first step to recovery with a caregiver! You can also call the following number 216-678-4076 to ask questions or schedule a in person visit.  

References:

1.  Neurosciences - Stroke Facts. (2018b). UTMBHealthCOM; The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. http://utmbhealth.com/services/neurology/procedures-conditions/stroke/stroke-facts

2.  Stroke Association. (2023). Stroke: Signs and symptoms. Www.stroke.org.uk; Stroke Association . https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/symptoms

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Stroke. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org; The Johns Hopkins University. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke