A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked. Without oxygen in the blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. To prevent stroke, learn about the causes and factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke. Here are 10 causes of stroke

a) Tobacco:

Smoking or chewing increases the risk of stroke. Nicotine raises blood pressure. Tobacco smoke contributes to the accumulation of fat in the large arteries in the throat. It also thickens the blood and makes it more prone to clotting. Secondhand smoke can also have an effect.

b) Medications:

Certain medicines can increase your risk of stroke. For example, blood thinners that doctors recommend to prevent blood clots can sometimes cause a stroke due to bleeding. Research has shown that hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes increases the risk of stroke. And low doses of estrogen in birth control pills can also increase your chances.

c) Race:

Stroke affects African Americans and non-whites Hispanics much more often than other populations with American sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. In addition, these groups and families are more common among people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Asian descent.


 
d) Diabetes: People who suffer from it often have high blood pressure and are more prone to being overweight. Both of these factors increase your chances of having a stroke. Diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood sugar levels are high, resulting in more brain damage.

e) hypertension: This is the main cause of stroke. If your blood pressure is usually above 130/80, your doctor will discuss treatment with you.

f) Gender:

Women have fewer strokes than men of the same age. However, women are less likely to recover and die as a result, because they have a stroke in old age.

g) Weight and exercise:

Being overweight can increase your chances of having a stroke. Daily exercise can lower your chances. Walk for 30 minutes or do muscle-strengthening exercises such as push-ups and strength training.

h) Family:

A family history of stroke can occur. You and your loved ones are prone to high blood pressure or diabetes. Some strokes can be caused by genetic conditions that block blood flow to the brain.

i) Age: Anyone can get a stroke. The same goes for babies in the womb. In general, the older you get, the more chances you have. After 55 years, it doubles every 10 years.

j) Heart disease:

These include damaged heart valves and atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat, which causes a quarter of all strokes in older people. You may also have arteries that are blocked by fatty deposits.