What causes a stroke?

This is a little question without a simple answer. With stroke being down over all but up in the age group of 18-54, causes of stroke vary greatly. We know that strokes can happen when the blood supply to the brain is reduced (Ischemic Stroke) or interrupted (Hemorrhagic Stroke). This deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients leaving brain cells dead, within minutes. Some people have what is called a TIA/ Transient Ischemic Attack, or mini stroke, which tends to be a very short temporary blockage that resolves itself and doesn't leave permanent brain damage.  TIA's can be a precursor to a full on brain attack and should be treated seriously. BUT why does this happen is the BIG question.
Here are some reason known to cause stroke. It is not as if these are steadfast, sure-fire reasons for a stroke, but they can increase a person's likelihood. Keep in mind, some of these issues can be changed and some may not.

• High Blood Pressure.  Un-managed and untreated HBP or hypertension is a leading cause of stroke. Some people function well with BP over 140/90, but most people should be cautious and work to get those numbers under control and down. When BP is uncontrolled, the blood vessels get damaged and weaken causing them to narrow, leak or rupture. Over time, one of the two types of stroke can accrue. 
• Tobacco use. Smoking and chewing tobacco raises the odds of stroke, by making blood sticky and thicker thereby more likely to clot. Most everyone has heard someone say, "My _______ (whoever) smoked most of their life and never had a problem. Yet. most of those people lived back in a time when tobacco was a leaf. Now cigarette tobacco has over 400 added chemicals to it. It is mixed with additive that make up rat poisoning and embalming fluid. Do you get the point why so many people die from smoking related illnesses?
• Heart Disease. The heart and the brain make up apart of the central hubs of the body. If blood is not pumped through the heart correctly due to issues such as valves problems or fatty deposits, the brain will be deprived of blood flow which can cause stroke. 
• Obesity. A person that is excessively over weight, is more likely to have other health issues like HBP or Diabetes that also lead to stroke.
• Diabetes. Diabetes damages blood vessels which as we already know, can lead to stroke. HBP and obesity are often causes of diabetes, thereby raising the chance of stroke.  
• Family History. Strokes tend to run in family lines due to a high rick of common illness or conditions. HBP, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, all are stroke contributors. Additionally, some strokes are now linked to genetic disorders such as Celiac Disease, blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease, Lupus, Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome, single gene disorders that cause conditions like Mitral Valve Prolapse in the heart, and many others.
• Medications or Drug Use. Blood thinners that prevent clotting of the blood, can have adverse effects that can lead to stroke ie: brain bleed. There are studies that link hormone therapy medications to stroke along with birth control pills leading to blood clots. Of course street drug are made of a variety of chemicals which like those in tobacco, can cause stroke.
• Lifestyle Factors. Here is a list of lifestyle issues that can lead to stroke. Many of these are contributors to other issues listed above. ...stress, alcohol or caffeine consumption, extremely unhealthy foods, and a lack of physical activity. 

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Now that you have a clearer picture of the causes of stroke, come back next time as I teach how to recognize a stroke.