Most Strokes Are Preventable; Here’s What You Need to Know — and Do

Stroke is a disease that stems from problems in the arteries leading to and within the brain. 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, so cells begin to die.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the US and a leading cause of disability. A more important fact than that, however, is that up to 80% of strokes are preventable, so knowing the risks can help you avoid a crisis.

At Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, board-certified neurologist and stroke expert Dr. Cory Lamar offers stroke screening and prevention services in addition to treating patients who have had strokes and providing stroke rehabilitation. Because so many strokes can be prevented with a little knowledge, he’s using this month’s blog to provide the information you need to know.

The role of atherosclerosis in stroke

Atherosclerosis, often called hardening of the arteries, can lead to both heart disease and stroke. It develops slowly, often starting in childhood, and progresses with age.

Atherosclerosis primarily affects medium and large-sized arteries. It begins when the artery lining (the endothelium) becomes damaged. This may occur from physical stress, notably high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol; high blood sugar from diabetes; or inflammation caused by the immune system.

As a result, fats, cholesterol, platelets, cell debris, proteins, and calcium collect on the walls of damaged arteries, building up and forming a sticky plaque. The plaque thickens the artery wall, which narrows the vessel, decreasing blood flow and reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the part of the body the artery serves.

Atherosclerosis can lead to stroke in two ways.

Sometimes, part of the plaque breaks off, and blood clots can form at the rupture point. These clots can be quite large, reducing or completely blocking blood flow. When a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, a stroke occurs.

Sometimes the plaque or clot breaks away from the rupture site and is carried by the bloodstream. When it blocks blood flow in an artery leading to or in the brain, it results in an atherosclerotic stroke.

Types of stroke

There are three major types of stroke.

1. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Also called a “ministroke,” a TIA is a clot that temporarily blocks blood flow to part of your brain. TIA symptoms last for a short time and don't cause long-term damage.

However, a TIA is a warning of a blood flow problem, and it increases your risk of a future, major stroke. Treating a TIA involves medications and lifestyle changes to prevent further incidents.

2. Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs a vessel supplying blood to the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, ischemic strokes make up 87% of strokes, but global data from 2019 indicate they make up only 62.4%.

An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency, as the longer the vessel is obstructed, the more brain cells will die. Treatment involves removing the clot, either with clot-busting drugs or surgery. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may require rehabilitation to regain sensory and motor skills.

3. Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and spills blood into the surrounding tissues, causing damage. The most common cause is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Coiling or clipping the rupture is the standard treatment.

Preventing stroke

Now that you know about strokes, you should know that you can do a number of things to prevent one from happening.

Lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure can double or even quadruple your stroke risk if it’s not controlled.

Lose weight

Obesity and its complications (including high blood pressure and diabetes) increase your odds of having a stroke.

Exercise more

Exercise contributes to losing weight and decreasing blood pressure but also stands on its own as a stroke reducer.

Drink in moderation

Having an average of one drink per day is OK. More than two drinks increases your risk sharply.

Treat atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to develop in the heart, which can then travel to the brain, producing a stroke. The condition carries almost a fivefold risk of stroke.

Treat diabetes

High blood sugar damages blood vessels, making clots more likely to form inside them.

Quit smoking

Smoking accelerates clot formation by thickening your blood and increasing the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.

If you want to learn more about preventing a stroke, Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC can help. Call our Naples, Florida, office at 239-667-5878 to set up a consultation with Dr. Lamar, or book online with us today.