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July 27, 2016 Most Common Causes of Strokes
A stroke is a medical emergency where brain cells die, which can cause permanent damage to the rest of the body as well as the brain. Brain cells die when the brain stops getting the oxygen it needs. These are the most common causes of oxygen not getting to the brain.
Blood Clots
Blood clots effectively block the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood clots in arteries taking blood either to or from the brain account for 85 percent of all strokes. These kinds of strokes are called ischemic strokes.
Hemorrhaging
A hemorrhage is bleeding when a blood vessel bursts inside of the brain, or in the area in between the brain and the skull. Anytime a loved one states that he or she is having the worst headache of their lives could be having such a stroke.
High Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure are prone to strokes because their arteries and blood vessels are not as strong as those of people with normal blood pressure. Blood clots are more prone to form in high blood pressure than normal blood pressure.
Sleep Apnea
People suffering from sleep apnea choke when they sleep hundreds or thousands of time a night. People with sleep apnea tend to put on weight due to fatigue. Extra weight not only increases sleep apnea, but can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Tobacco Smoke
Smoking limits the amount of oxygen in the blood and slows down blood flow so that critical oxygen has trouble reaching the brain. Even inhaling just second hand smoke can increase your loved one’s chance for stroke.
