Stroke Science.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: HEALTH & MEDICINE

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You think of it as something that can only happen to elderly people, or people who are extremely unhealthy. You think your risk is low because you are under 50 or because you've cut down significantly on that smoking habit. To some degree, you're right, but strokes--while a higher risk to those over the age of 55--can happen to anyone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are more than 700,000 strokes each year in the United States, and it is the third leading cause of death in the country. Women are at higher risk than men, but men are more likely to have strokes at a young age than women.

Scary statistics, especially when most of us in the general public have a limited knowledge about strokes and why they happen. But there are risk factors that are important to consider, health changes that can be made, and warning signs that can predict an impending stroke or identify one occurring. Early detection and treatment, as well as preventative care, can not only help those in recovery from a stroke, but also can give us all a chance to keep strokes at bay and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

WHAT HAPPENS

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and food. Brain cells begin dying immediately making a stroke a medical emergency. According to Catherine McVey, director of Critical Care Services and Stroke Program Coordinator at Alaska Regional Hospital, almost 90 percent of strokes are what are called "ischemic strokes," a result of the arteries to the brain being narrowed or blocked. The strokes can be classified as thrombotic or embolic. A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, while an embolic stroke occurs when a clot forms in blood vessels away from the brain (commonly in the heart) and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in the brain arteries.

Sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke", a transient ischemic attack is yet another type of stroke, caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. Mini-strokes are usually caused by a clot or plaque and most last about five minutes. Many people don't find out until long after the fact that the stroke even occurred. These mini-strokes put them at a higher risk for a major stroke.

WHY

Chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and...