Stroke accounts for 1 out of every 15 deaths in the United States. It is the 3rd leading cause of death in most developed countries, and the leading cause of disability in adults. The risk doubles with each decade after age 35. Stroke occurs in men more often than women. The risk of stroke is increased by smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease.
Women have a higher risk of stroke during pregnancy and the weeks immediately after pregnancy.
Other illnesses such as vasculitis, lupus, or high blood viscosity may contribute to stroke. The most common cause of stroke is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits and blood platelets collect on the wall of the arteries, forming plaques. Over time, the plaques slowly begin to block the flow of blood. A plaque may block the artery enough to cause a stroke, or it may trigger a blood clot that causes a stroke.