Stroke

Stroke - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes strokes?

Blood is supplied to the brain by blood vessels called arteries. These arteries may get blocked, causing an ischaemic stroke or infarct. Less commonly, these arteries may burst, causing a haemorrhagic stroke or brain haemorrhage.

What are the risk factors for strokes?

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of stroke:

Old age
Male gender
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Cigarette smoking
Diabetes mellitus
High cholesterol
Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Certain heart diseases including a recent heart attack
Previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Dabigatran Etexilate,

Rivaroxaban,

Warfarin Sodium

Article contributed by Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Dr Bok Chek Wai

Senior Consultant

MBBS, M Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK), FAMS

Clinical Interests: General Rehabilitation

Assoc Prof Chang Hui Meng

Senior Consultant

MBBS, MRCP (United Kingdom), FAMS (Neurology)

Clinical Interests: Stroke, General Neurology

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