Heart disease health centre

Heart disease and stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood-flow to the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of oxygen and glucose, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can result.

How does a stroke occur?

There are two types of stroke.

• Ischaemic stroke is similar to a heart attack, except it occurs in the blood vessels of the brain. Clots can form in the brain's blood vessels, in blood vessels leading to the brain, or even in blood vessels elsewhere in the body which then travel to the brain. These clots block blood flow to the brain's cells. Ischaemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels. About 80% of all strokes are of this nature.
• Haemorrhagic (heh-more-raj-ik) strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of haemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and aneurysms, a weakness or thinness in the blood vessel wall.

What are the symptoms of stroke?

The most common symptoms of a stroke are:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
• Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes
• Loss of speech, difficulty talking or understanding what others are saying
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Loss of balance or unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom

What should I do if I experience stroke symptoms?

Immediately call 999 if you or someone you know has these symptoms. Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save lives or increase the chances of a full recovery.

Is it possible to prevent a stroke?

Up to 50% of all strokes are preventable. Many risk factors can be controlled before they cause problems.

Controllable risk factors for stroke:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Being overweight
• Existing carotid and/or coronary artery disease

Uncontrollable risk factors for stroke:

• Age (over 65)
• Gender (men have more strokes, women have deadlier strokes)
• Race (people of Caribbean or African descent are at increased risk)
• Family history of stroke

Your GP can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control your risk factors. Warning signs before a stroke are called transient ischaemic attacks (also called TIA or ‘mini-stroke’) and are short, brief episodes of the stroke symptoms listed above. Some people have no symptoms or ones that are so mild they are not noticeable. Regular check-ups are important in catching problems before they become serious. Report any symptoms or risk factors to your GP.