Stroke: Causes, Prevention, and Family Risk Factors

About Stroke

Dear Director Hsu: What are the causes of stroke? Is there a hereditary component? How can it be prevented? Is it true that people who have had a stroke should not receive massages? Do common blood-cleansing medications really work? Can they effectively prevent strokes? In the brain, we often hear about "small vessel disease"; does this increase the likelihood of having another stroke compared to the general population? Thank you!

Zhen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/04

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Rehabilitation

1.
There are many causes of stroke, among which age, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia are the most common.
However, there are also a few cases with unknown causes.

2.
There is no definitive evidence that stroke itself has a hereditary component, but its risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia do have a genetic predisposition.

3.
A high percentage of stroke patients have carotid artery atherosclerosis.
Under such conditions, receiving popular neck and shoulder massages may lead to carotid artery embolism, resulting in a stroke.

4.
Taking general blood-thinning medications without a doctor's prescription for maintenance purposes is very dangerous.
This is because strokes are classified into two types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
If the latter occurs, taking blood thinners can actually increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

5.
The term "small branch" usually refers to strokes in the distal blood vessels of the brain.
The distribution of intracranial blood vessels resembles a large tree, with thick trunks and dense branches.
The thick trunks, such as the middle cerebral artery, can currently be treated with vascular stents to promote smooth blood flow; however, the dense branches, such as those surrounding the ventricles, are prone to recurrent ischemic events and require medication management and lifestyle adjustments.

Reply Date: 2004/11/04

More Info

Understanding stroke is crucial, especially given its significant impact on health and quality of life. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to brain cell death. The causes of stroke can be broadly categorized into two types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, which account for about 87% of all strokes, occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. This obstruction can be due to a blood clot or atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries). Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.

Several risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) can increase the risk of stroke. Family history also plays a role; individuals with a family history of stroke may have a higher risk, suggesting a genetic component to stroke susceptibility. However, while genetics can influence risk, lifestyle choices and management of health conditions are critical in preventing strokes.

Prevention strategies are essential for reducing the risk of stroke. These include maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For individuals with specific risk factors, such as atrial fibrillation, doctors may prescribe anticoagulant medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help monitor and manage these risk factors effectively.

Regarding the question of whether individuals who have had a stroke can receive massages, it is essential to approach this with caution. While gentle massage may be beneficial for relaxation and stress relief, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding. Certain types of massage could potentially exacerbate underlying conditions or lead to complications, especially if there are issues related to blood circulation or if the individual is on anticoagulant therapy.

As for the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications (often referred to as "clearing blood" medications), they can be beneficial in preventing strokes, particularly in individuals with specific risk factors. However, these medications should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as they can have side effects and interactions with other medications.

The term "断小條的" (translated as "broken small vessels") likely refers to small vessel disease, which can lead to lacunar strokes. Individuals with small vessel disease may indeed have a higher risk of recurrent strokes compared to the general population. This is due to the underlying vascular changes that predispose them to further ischemic events. Regular monitoring and management of risk factors are crucial for these individuals to minimize the risk of subsequent strokes.

In summary, understanding the causes and risk factors associated with stroke is vital for prevention. Family history can play a role, but lifestyle modifications and medical management are key to reducing risk. Consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans is essential for anyone concerned about stroke risk, especially those with a history of stroke or related conditions.

Similar Q&A

Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing High Blood Pressure

Hello: My father has experienced two strokes, so I would like to ask how to properly manage the diet of a patient with hypertension. Are there any detailed resources on this topic (rather than general guidelines)? Thank you!

Dr. Liu Yulai reply Nutrition
Hello! I apologize for the delay in responding due to internet connectivity issues. Please forgive me! Generally, stroke can be caused by several factors, one of which is hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to the degeneration of the walls of small arteries in the ...

Stroke Risks in Hot Work Environments and Dietary Considerations

Hello Doctor, My mother suddenly lost vision in one eye while working at her company, and later examinations at the hospital revealed signs of a mild stroke. She is currently on regular medication. I would like to ask if her work environment, which is hot and humid and often re...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
Stroke predominantly occurs in winter due to cold weather causing blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure that can result in rupture or blockage. It is particularly concerning for individuals who are frequently exposed to environments with significant temp...

Understanding Stroke Risk Factors: What Tests Should You Consider?

Hello Dr. Huang, my father is sixty years old and in good health, although he has sinusitis and mild hypertension. He fainted twice in 1998 and 1999. During the first incident in 1998, he insisted that it was due to a mouth ulcer that caused prolonged difficulty in eating, leadin...

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology
There are many reasons for sudden fainting. In addition to a detailed medical history, a thorough physical examination is necessary. It's difficult to provide an answer here; it would be best for you to take your father to see a neurologist or cardiologist, as these specialt...

Understanding the Causes of Stroke Recurrence and Prevention Strategies

Hello Doctor: My father suddenly had a stroke in mid-March (he had been taking medication for high blood pressure), which affected his speech. After a period of rehabilitation, the function of his right limbs, which were impacted, has slightly improved. However, around early Octo...

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology
ANSWER: The recurrence of stroke is mostly due to the underlying causes that led to the initial stroke not being addressed, such as poorly controlled blood pressure or sudden fluctuations, poorly managed blood sugar levels or long-standing diabetes, failure to take preventive ant...