Chronic Conditions 3 MIN READ 721 VIEWS March 21, 2025

Uncover the Causes of Stroke and Key Factors to Watch For

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when a part of the brain doesn’t get enough or any blood. For the brain to function properly, it requires a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood delivered by the blood vessels. During the brain stroke, its cells die within minutes because they aren’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients. To minimise brain damage and avoid long-term problems, it is essential to get medical help right away. By learning about the causes of stroke, and prevention tips that can lower the risk, you can keep your health in good shape and avoid getting this life-threatening condition.

What is a Brain Stroke?

A brain stroke is a medical problem that happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off(blocked/reduced). Strokes come in two main types:

  • Ischemic Stroke: When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel that brings blood to the brain, this is called an ischaemic stroke. It’s what causes about 87% of all strokes and is often connected to heart problems like high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and problems with blood clotting.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke happens when a brain blood vessel that isn’t strong enough breaks, causing bleeding inside the brain. High blood pressure, brain aneurysms, and head injuries are all common reasons for this.

When there is a brief/temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, another condition called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke can occur. This is often a warning sign of a future stroke.

What Are Brain Stroke Causes?

Age, gender, lifestyle, and pre-existing medical problems are just a few of the many factors that contribute to the causes of stroke. The following are some typical brain stroke causes:

Causes of Stroke in Women

Because of changes in hormones and problems that come up during pregnancy, women are more likely to have strokes. The following are some specific causes of a stroke in a woman:

  • Problems during pregnancy: Some conditions, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, raise the chance of having a stroke.
  • Taking birth control pills: Women who smoke or have high blood pressure are more likely to get blood clots when they use oral contraception.
  • Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT: One slight increase in the chance of stroke for postmenopausal women who are using HRT.
  • Brain headaches with aura: Women who get headaches with aura are more likely to have ischaemic strokes.

Causes of Stroke in Men

Men also have a higher chance of having a stroke because of the way they live and some medical problems. The following are some of the leading causes of a stroke in a man:

  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and drinking too much booze hurt blood vessels and raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke.
  • High cholesterol: Bad eating habits cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which can lead to ischaemic strokes.
  • Being overweight and not being active: Being overweight makes you more likely to get high blood pressure, diabetes, and a stroke.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension: One of the leading causes of brain stroke, high blood pressure makes arteries weak, which makes them more likely to break/rupture.

Causes of Stroke in Young Individuals

Even though older adults are more likely to have a stroke, young people are also at risk. Among the causes of stroke in young people are:

  • Genetic or genetic conditions: Young adults who have problems with blood clotting are more likely to have a stroke.
  • Use of drugs: Illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines can narrow blood vessels, which can cause strokes.
  • Heart conditions: Birth flaws or irregular heartbeats in the heart can send blood clots to the brain.

Heat Stroke Causes

Heatstroke happens when the body gets too hot and can’t cool down properly. here discuss about heat stroke causes:

  • Hot environment
  • Strenuous activity
  • Heavy clothing
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Dehydration

Understanding these reasons is important for avoiding heat stroke and treating it quickly if it happens.

Treatments for a Brain Stroke

Getting medical help right away can significantly lessen the effects of a stroke. How to treat a stroke varies on what kind it is:

  • Ischemic stroke treatment
  • Hemorrhagic stroke treatment
  • Stroke rehabilitation

Conclusion

To avoid and treat this serious condition, it’s essential to know what causes brain strokes. Individuals can take preventative measures to lower their risk by learning about the causes of stroke. Whether addressing the causes of a stroke in a woman or a man, increasing awareness and taking preventative steps can significantly lower the number of strokes that occur and improve overall health.

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