Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly allowing for clots to form in the upper chamber, the atria. These clots can break loose and travel to the brain causing a stroke. The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation can be greatly reduced by taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or a new medication, dabigatran.
Stroke Risk Factors
Your risk level for stroke can vary based on your genes and lifestyle; risk factors can also differ between men and women. While you can't control your age, family history, race and gender, it's important to know your stroke risk. Men are at a higher risk for stroke, but women account for more deaths from it. Common risk factors for men and women that can be controlled or treated include high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, diet, physical activity and heart disease. Less common risk factors affecting women include migraines, taking the pill, pregnancy and childbirth complications and use of hormone replacement therapy. Learn more about stroke risk factors with expert advice from Sharecare.
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Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystemSee All 14 Answers -
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There are two conditions during pregnancy that can result in a stroke. Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state meaning the blood clots more easily. Therefore the formation of a clot in the cerebral circulation may lead to a stroke. The second condition is the complication preeclampsia which causes hypertension due to constriction of the vascular structures. If the hypertension is not resolves, the increased pressure can damage the cerebral circulation and result in a stroke. -
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Medical City Fort Worth answeredSee All 8 AnswersThere are two main types of strokes: ischemic, which is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, and hemorrhagic, which is caused by bleeding in the brain. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot has formed in a blood vessel, or because a blood clot has moved into the brain from the heart. This causes the blockage of a blood vessel which restricts blood flow to the brain. The same goes for hemorrhagic strokes; the bleeding in the brain tissue results in a lack of blood flow to that part of the brain, causing the death of neurons.
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St Francis Medical Center answeredSee All 9 AnswersStroke is prevalent in elderly people, and in people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Further, doctors are seeing stroke in younger and younger people, as a result of increased childhood obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure in that age group. Stroke can happen in people who have traumatic injuries with resulting vascular injuries from that trauma.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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American Red Cross answeredA history of high blood pressure, a previous stroke or mini-stroke, diabetes, and heart disease all increase a person's chances of having a stroke. -
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American Red Cross answeredSomeone who has a mini-stroke is at very high risk of having a full stroke within the next two days.
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SecondsCount.org answeredPeople with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, are at higher risk for stroke. Blood cells affected by the disease have a distinctive sickle shape. These crescent-shaped blood cells are “stickier” and can attach to the walls of - and sometimes block - arteries supplying blood to the brain. A blockage in the arteries leading to the brain is the cause of one form of stroke. Because of this, both children and adults with sickle cell disease are at greater risk of stroke. -
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HealthyWomen answeredRisk factors for stroke that are especially important for women younger than 55 include:- Migraines: Women who suffer from migraines with visual disturbances can be up to 10 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
- Oral contraceptives: Women who take even a low-estrogen birth control pill may be twice as likely to have a stroke.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy may increase your risk of stroke, particularly in pregnant women who experience complications such as preeclampsia or postpartum hemorrhage. Report severe headaches or visual changes after delivery to your healthcare professional immediately. They can be warning signs of blood clots in the brain.
- Other risk factors include autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and lupus, clotting disorders, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), increased abdominal weight and multiple miscarriages.
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A 2009 research study in Texas showed that people who live near a fast-food restaurant have an increased risk of having a stroke. Researchers found that the higher the number of fast-food restaurants in a neighborhood, the higher the risk of stroke. But the researchers weren't sure whether fast food itself actually increased stroke risk or whether fast-food restaurants tend to be established in neighborhoods where people have unhealthy eating habits that could contribute to a stroke.