A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. There are two main types of stroke:

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​1. Ischaemic Stroke (Most Common)

An ischaemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually due to:

• A blood clot (embolus) that forms in another part of the body (e.g., the heart or neck) and travels to the brain.

• A clot (thrombus) that forms in an artery supplying blood to the brain.

• A tear in a blood vessel (arterial dissection), which disrupts blood flow.

For more details, visit the Stroke Association UK.

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2. Haemorrhagic Stroke

A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding (haemorrhage). This type can result from high blood pressure, aneurysms, or trauma.

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More information is available from NHS UK.

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​​​Risk Factors for Stroke

Some risk factors can be controlled, while others cannot.

 

Controllable Risk Factors

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of stroke:

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Medical Conditions:

• High blood pressure (leading cause of stroke)

• High cholesterol

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – an irregular heart rhythm that increases clot risk (British Heart Foundation)

• Diabetes (Diabetes UK)

• Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

• Atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries due to plaque buildup)

 

Medications & Substances:

• Long-term use of certain medications, such as birth control pills or hormone therapy

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Smoking and illicit drug use (NHS Stop Smoking)

 

Lifestyle Factors:

• Physical inactivity

• Poor diet, particularly high sodium and processed foods

 

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

Some factors cannot be changed but can indicate a higher stroke risk:

• Previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – TIAs (mini-strokes) increase the likelihood of a full stroke. (NHS TIA Information)

• Age – Risk increases with age, particularly after 60.

• Family history – Having a close relative who had a stroke raises the risk.

• Gender – Males have a higher risk, though females are more likely to die from a stroke.

• Ethnicity – People of Black, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds have a higher risk due to genetic and health disparities.

• Blood disorders that increase clotting

• Heart valve disease, such as mitral stenosis

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For more guidance, visit Public Health England.