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Risk Behaviors of a Stroke

A stroke, or an acute cerebrovascular attack, is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage, complications or death. It is caused by a sudden loss of blood supply to a portion of the brain, causing brain cells to die rapidly. Certain behaviors and lifestyles greatly affect your risk for a stoke.

  1. Smoking

    • Among the other health implications of smoking, the habit can harden arteries, create blood clots and provoke heart disease. All of these conditions increase the risk of a stroke.

    High Blood Pressure

    • Hypertension can cause hemorrhaging of vessels in the brain, cutting off blood supply.

    High Cholesterol

    • Atherosclerotic blood vessels can develop blood clots. The narrowed vessels cannot pass the clot, causing a blockage. If the blockage passes, it can travel up to the brain's blood vessels, producing the increased risk for aneurysm or stroke.

    Diabetes

    • In people with diabetes, many vessels can develop blockages, making the blood unable to go around a blockage or hemorrhage by an alternate route.

    Age

    • With age comes the degradation of the body. Blood vessels harden, cholesterol builds up and heart disease becomes prevalent.

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