A definition of a stroke is a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) that affects the function of the brain due to the disturbance of the blood supply which leads the brain cells to be starved of oxygen. As the brain controls and regulates every part of your body it always needs a regular supply of blood to bring oxygen and nutrients to your brain cells.
The two main types of strokes are Hemorrhagic and Ischemic. Ischemic strokes are the more common of the two and it happens when the brain’s blood supply is blocked due to a blood clot. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and are caused by a rupture of blood vessels around the brain which causes damage.
Due to the part of the brain that is affected, it will stop working which leads to one or several of the limbs on one side unable to move, not being able to speak correctly and unable to see correctly on one side.
Stroke Statistics
Statistics show that stroke affects 15 million people worldwide each year and is the second largest killer in the world with 10.8% and Europe having over 600,000 people die each year. High blood pressure contributes to more than 12 million strokes a year, with men less likely to suffer from a stroke than women.
People who are most at risk are ages 65 and over, even though 25% happen in people under 65. In fact any age group can get a stroke, even children.
Stroke Risks
Caribbean, African and Asian population are at a higher risk of getting a stroke. This is because of a tendency to develop heart disease and diabetes which are conditions that cause a stroke.
There are also other risks associated with strokes which are bad diet, doing little to no exercise, being overweight and smoking. Blood circulation conditions such as diabetes, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol and high blood pressure also increase stroke risk.
When a person has a stroke it is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible due to the permanent damage it can cause neurologically along with complications and even death.