Ischemic strokes may result from clogged arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This may affect the arteries within the brain or the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances collect on the wall of the arteries, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, the plaque builds up. This often makes it hard for blood to flow properly, which can cause the blood to clot.

Ischemic strokes may also be caused by blood clots that form in the heart or other parts of the body. These clots travel through the blood and can get stuck in the small arteries of the brain. This is known as a cerebral embolism.

Certain drugs and medical conditions can make your blood more likely to clot and raise your risk for ischemic stroke. A common cause of ischemic stroke in people under age 40 is carotid dissection, or a tear in the lining of the carotid artery. The tear lets blood flow between the layers of the carotid artery. This causes narrowing of the carotid artery that is not due to plaque buildup.

Some ischemic strokes start out without any bleeding, and then bleeding into the damaged area occurs.

HEMORRHAGIC STROKE

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. Some people have defects in the blood vessels of the brain that make this more likely. The flow of blood that occurs after the blood vessel ruptures damages brain cells.

STROKE RISKS

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for strokes. The following also increase your risk for stroke:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• Family history of stroke
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Increasing age

Certain medications make blood clots more likely, and therefore increase your chances for a stroke. Birth control pills can increase the chances of having blood clots, especially in woman who smoke and who are older than 35.

Men have more strokes than women. However, women have a higher risk of stroke during pregnancy and in the weeks immediately after pregnancy.

The following can increase the risk of bleeding into the brain, which makes you more likely to have a stroke:

• Alcohol use
• Bleeding disorders
• Cocaine use
• Head injury

For more information see: Stroke risk factors and prevention

Images

Right cerebral hemisphere - function

Brainstem function

Circle of Willis

Endarterectomy

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Plaque buildup in arteries

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Brain

Stroke

Left cerebral hemisphere - function

Stroke

Stroke - secondary to cardiogenic embolism

Hypertension - overview

• < Page
1 2
• >

Next Section

Stroke Symptoms

Review Date: 06/15/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)