Updated: 23-07-2025
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is the sudden loss of neurological function caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Stroke has two major types.
- Ischaemic stroke affects 80% of individuals
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels rupture, causing leakage of blood in and around the brain.
Major Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death & the leading cause of long-term disability.
The incidence of stroke increases with age.
Atherosclerosis is the major contributing factor to cerebrovascular diseases.
It is characterised by plaque formation with an accumulation of lipids, fibrins, complex carbohydrates & calcium deposits on the arterial wall that leads to progressive narrowing of blood vessels.
Preferred sites of atherosclerosis
- Bifurcations
- Constructions
- Dilatations/angulations of arteries
Most Common Sites of Atherosclerosis
- Origin of the common carotid artery at its transition into the middle cerebral artery
- The main bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery
- Junction of the vertebral arteries with the basilar artery
- Haemorrhage is closely related to chronic hypertension
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is another congenital defect, i.e., it results in stroke
- AVM is characterised by a tortuous tangle of arteries & veins with agenesis of the interposing capillary system.
Risk Factors & Warning Signs of Stroke
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Disorders of Heart Rhythm
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Elevated Fasting Triglyceride Levels (150 mg/dL)
- Elevation of Hematocrit
- Rheumatic Heart Valvular Disease
- Endocarditis/Cardiac Surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery)
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Renal Disease (Final Stage)
- Sleep Apnoea (Doubling the Risk Of Stroke)
Specific Risk Factors for Stroke
- Early Menopause
- Use of Estrogen-Alone / Estrogen plus Progesterone
- Pregnancy
- Birth & 1st 6 Weeks of Post-Partum Period
- Pre-Eclampsia
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Cigarette Smoking
- Physical Activity
- Diet
- Obesity
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Family History
- Age
- Gender
- Race
Warning Signs of Stroke
- Sudden numbness/weakness of the face and arm/leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking/understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one/both eyes
- Sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, loss of balance & coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Prevention of Stroke
Lifestyle modification can greatly reduce the risk of stroke
- Controlling Blood Pressure
- Diet
- Weight loss
- Quitting smoking
- Increasing physical activity &
- Effective disease management
Effective stroke prevention depends on public awareness concerning the early warning signs of stroke.
The American Heart and Stroke Association currently promotes the use of the term brain attack comparable to heart attack to help individuals recognise the importance of seeking immediate emergency care.
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Author’s Bio: Srinitha Busam is a physiotherapist and research writer.