The good news is that you can protect against stroke. Know your risk factors, including high blood pressure. Reduce your risk factors, including high blood pressure. Learn the warning signs of stroke. Know what to do if you notice warning signs.
Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease.
It affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Clots that block an artery cause ischemic strokes. This is the most common type of stroke. Ruptured blood vessels cause hemorrhagic strokes.