What Are the Causes of Stroke? Key Risk Factors and Prevention Tips

According to World Stroke Organization, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime. Did you know that 60% of strokes happen to people who are under the age of 70, while 16% of people under the age of 50 can have a stroke?

Millions of people experience a stroke every year, many of whom do not make it. This is an alarming condition that can change lives in an instant. In order to understand how to prevent a stroke, we need to understand what causes a stroke. There are many reasons for stroke, including genetics and lifestyle choices. 

In this article, we are going to look at the causes of a stroke and discuss common risk factors. Keep on reading to find out some practical prevention tips that you can use to stay healthy and safe. 

A Quick Summary

• A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is blocked or there is bleeding in a certain part of your brain. This can be fatal and can even affect your brain function.
• Ischemic strokes occur when there is a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic strokes are more severe and occur when a blood vessel bursts in the brain.
• The FAST test is one of the simplest ways to identify if your loved one is having a stroke.
• High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle are some of the leading causes of stroke.
• To prevent the chances of a stroke, you need to stay active, eat healthy food, get regular check-ups, and manage your stress using coping mechanisms.

What is a Stroke?

So, what is a stroke, and how does it occur? A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is blocked or there is bleeding in a certain part of your brain. This can be fatal and can even affect your brain function. 

Depending on the severity and type of the stroke, an individual can either undergo temporary or permanent damage. Some of the symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness, speech difficulties, and vision problems.

Types of Stroke

You might think there is just one type of stroke, but that is just not it; there can be two common causes of stroke, i.e., blockage and bleeding. Let’s discuss these two types of stroke causes in detail and see what are the reasons behind the two.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and accounts for around 87% of all stroke cases. Ischemic strokes occur when there is a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain. This blockage usually occurs because of poor lifestyle habits, such as poor diet, smoking, or high cholesterol, which can lead to a build-up of plaque in your vessels.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes are the least common type of strokes but are more severe as these occur when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. The likelihood of this type of stroke increases due to conditions such as high blood pressure and other medical conditions often linked to a stroke, such as aneurysms. 

What are the Signs of Stroke?

The FAST test is one of the simplest ways to identify if your loved one is having a stroke. What is the FAST test, you ask? Read on to find out. 

• Face: Check their face! Has it drooped?
• Arms: Ask if they can lift their arms.
• Speech: Do they have a slurred speech? Can they understand what you are saying?
• Time: Remember, if your loved one is having a stroke, time is critical. Any delays can lead to permanent damage.

These are not the only signs of a stroke; there can be other signs as well:

• You might feel that your face, arms, or legs are numb or weak. 
• You might not be able to move your face, arms, or legs, i.e., they might be paralyzed. Paralysis can occur on both sides or on either one of the side. 
• You might even feel dizzy or fall over for no reason. 
• Sudden and severe headaches can also be a symptom of a stroke. 
• You can even face trouble swallowing.
• Nausea and vomiting

If you or a loved one needs help with daily activities after a stroke, get in touch with True Homecare today. Their Stroke Home Care Services will provide the support you or your loved ones need during recovery.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Did you know that various risk factors can make you more susceptible to stroke? Many of these risk factors are linked to your lifestyle and health conditions, which are easily manageable.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common reasons behind both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. With time, high blood pressure can damage the walls of the blood vessels and make them more prone to clots or ruptures.

Smoking 

One of the lifestyle factors causing stroke is smoking. Smoking not only damages your blood vessels but can also lead to high blood pressure, making strokes more likely.

Diabetes 

Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of strokes.

Obesity

Being obese can put extra stress on your heart and blood vessels, increasing the chances of stroke.

Sedentary Lifestyle 

Nowadays, most of us have a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical activity can weaken your cardiovascular health, which in turn increases the chances of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which can lead to a stroke.

Other common causes of stroke include medical conditions linked to stroke, like heart disease and high cholesterol.

Leading Causes of Stroke in Seniors

As we age, our chances of getting a stroke increase; this is because of various conditions related to aging, including but not limited to:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Inactive Lifestyle
• Family History
• Aging

Lower Your Risk of Stroke With Stroke Prevention Tips

Wondering how to prevent a stroke? Now that you know stroke causes and symptoms, let’s have a look atsome practical tips for prevention that are surely going to make a difference:

Stay Active and Exercise Regularly 

Staying active and exercising regularly will not only help keep your weight in check but will also reduce the chances of high blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Practice Deep Breathing to Manage Stress

Mental and emotional stress can also increase the chances of stroke. Coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, staying mindful, and adopting new hobbies can help you stay relaxed.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet 

Eat food that is not only rich in fiber but also low in saturated fat. Consuming such food will reduce the chances of plaque buildup in your blood vessels.

Get Regular Health Checks

Health conditions such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can be silent killers. Hence, it is important to get regular checkups so you can deal with the issues before they get serious. 

Remember, prevention is always better than treatment. 

Stroke Care Options

Recovering from a stroke means you will need ongoing care and support, whether it is in the comfort of your home or in a facility. Wondering what is better for you or your loved one?

Home care services are always better than a rehabilitation facility, as you get personalized care and a chance to recover while staying in the comfort of your home with a dedicated person by your side. 

If you are looking for home care services for yourself or your loved ones, head over to True Homecare today. Their services include help with daily activities, physical therapy support, medication management, and much more.

Conclusion

Understanding stroke causes and symptoms can help you make the right decisions for yourself. Although you might not be able to do much about factors such as aging, you can certainly make some lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke. 

If you are looking for personalized support and care for your loved ones, head over to True Homecare today. Their services are designed to help you or your loved ones live a safe and healthy life.

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