Main causes of stroke
Ischemic stroke: This accounts for 85 percent of strokes. When a blood clot or fatty buildup blocks the blood vessels to the brain, blood flow stops.
Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the brain. This is most often caused by high blood pressure.
High blood pressure: This is the biggest cause of stroke. It weakens the blood vessels and causes them to rupture.
Diabetes: High blood sugar changes the walls of the blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
High cholesterol: Fatty deposits in the arteries cause blockages.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking narrows the blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
Heart diseases: If there are conditions where blood clots form in the heart, they can travel through the bloodstream and block the arteries in the brain.
