Then it disappears as quickly as it came on. A TIA is caused by a temporary blockage by a clot in an artery. Every year about one in every five Americans has a stroke. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Most strokes occur in people over 65 who have high blood pressure and atherosclerosis .
Strokes are more common in men than in women.
They are three to four times more common in African-Americans. People who have already had a stroke are more likely to have another. Cigarette smoking doubles the chances of having a stroke. Other risk factors include diabetes, family history, obesity , high cholesterol, and lack of exercise. Symptoms you are likely to notice Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain has been damaged.