Risk factors for Stroke Flashcards
What are some of the risk factors for stroke
Most stroke risk factors are lifestyle related, however some stroke risk factors such as gender, age and family history can’t be controlled. Lifestyle factors that increase your risk of stroke include: high BP (hypertension) , Smoking, diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, heavy drinking, high salt and fat diet, lack of exercise
What are are some of the medical risk factors for stroke
High Blood Pressure: puts a strain on all the blood vessels throughout your body, including the ones leading to the brain. This can damage your blood vessels can cause them to become harder and narrower which could lead to a TIA. The extra strain that high BP puts on your blood vessels may also cause a weakened blood vessel to burst inside the brain causing a haemorrhagic stroke
Diabetes: having too much sugar in the blood can damage the blood vessels making them become stiff and building up fatty deposits. This can lead to a blood clot which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Atrial fibrillation: In AF your heartbeat is irregular and may be abnormally fast. The heart might not empty itself of blood at each beat, and a clot can form in the blood left behind. If a blood clot forms in your heart, there is a risk that it will travel in your bloodstream towards your brain. If a clot blocks one of the arteries leading to your brain, it could cause a stroke or TIA. If you have AF you are 5x more likely to have a stroke.
Symptoms of AF: Palpitations (being aware of your heart beating fast). Breathlessness. Chest Pain. Fatigue.
High Cholesterol: Having too much cholesterol in your blood can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. This can make the arteries narrowed and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow. It also increases the chance of a blood clot developing.
