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10 Common Causes of Stroke

Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is neurological damage caused by an interruption in blood supply to the brain. Symptoms include paralysis, weak muscles, fatigue, slurred speech, blurred vision and mental confusion. CVA requires immediate attention to prevent permanent brain damage or death.[1] There are three major kinds of stroke: transient ischemic attack, ischemic, and hemorrhagic. [2]

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an episode that causes sudden numbness or paralysis on one side of the body. It lasts for several minutes but usually less than an hour. TIA may serve as a warning of imminent damage; hence, the person is advised to seek immediate medical attention. Ischemic stroke is the most common type, which occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut short by a blood clot or build-up in the artery. Symptoms last longer than a TIA for up to twenty-four hours or more. Hemorrhagic stroke is when one of the blood vessels in the brain weakens and fractures, which causes internal bleeding. It is an uncommon stroke with symptoms, including headaches, light-headedness, seizures, nausea, and vomiting.

Here are ten common causes of stroke:

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat gotten from protein foods like fish and dairy products. There is the good cholesterol known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the bad known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Excess amounts of LDL cholesterol in the body can clog the arteries and trigger cause clotting, which makes it difficult for blood to flow through, resulting in an Ischemic stroke. [3] It is safe to eat foods containing high levels of HDL cholesterol rather than LDL, as HDL prevents fatty build-up in the blood vessels. A person’s LDL level that is above 130 mg/dl increases the risk of having an ischemic stroke.