A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from receiving the vital oxygen and nutrients it needs. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin dying within minutes, and a person can be left with brain damage or other serious, permanent health issues.
Strokes can be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or by leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Ischemic strokes are caused by fatty deposits that build up in blood vessels or by blood clots. Hemorrhagic stroke can have different causes, such as having high blood pressure or weak areas in the blood vessel walls.
It’s also good to recognize that some people who may seem to be having a strong may only have a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain caused by a blockage, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
This event doesn’t have lasting symptoms or cause damage. However, it is still critical to seek medical care to confirm that the episode was a TIA and not a stroke. A TIA can also be an indicator that a person is also at a higher risk of stroke in the future.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 80 percent of strokes could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with a doctor or healthcare provider to control health conditions that raise your risk for stroke. For instance, controlling high blood pressure and losing weight if you are obese can help reduce your risk of stroke.
If you need help controlling your high blood pressure, losing weight or quitting tobacco, which can also help reduce your risk of stroke, contact Monroe County Hospital at (478) 994-2521.