World Stroke Day is celebrated every year on October 29 to raise awareness about stroke, its causes, prevention and the importance of timely medical care. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain cells to die. This causes lasting damage or even death if not treated quickly.
The theme for 2025 is “Every Minute Counts,” which highlights that rapid recognition, immediate treatment and prevention can save lives and reduce the impact of stroke.
Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress and poor lifestyle habits are causing an increasing number of stroke cases.
In this article, Tribune Online looks at six major risk factors that increase your chances of having a stroke:
1. High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. When left unchecked, it weakens the walls of blood vessels, making them more likely to break or block. Research shows that hypertension accounts for almost a quarter of stroke cases.
2. Tobacco consumption
Smoking narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure, while inhaling smoke reduces oxygen in the blood. This combination increases the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Studies show that smokers are about twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to non-smokers.
2. Heart disease
Heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve disorders, and heart failure can cause blood clots to form in the heart, which can then travel to the brain and block blood flow. People with atrial fibrillation are up to five times more likely to suffer suffer a stroke.
Therefore, early cardiac screening is necessary to prevent strokes and related conditions.
4.Diabetes
Diabetes damages blood vessels and causes fatty deposits to build up inside the arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. This greatly increases the risk of having an ischemic stroke. One study found that many stroke patients also have diabetes or high blood sugar.
5. High cholesterol (unhealthy lipid levels)
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol cause fatty plaque to build up in the arteries, which can block blood flow to the brain. Controlling cholesterol is one of the most important tasks. effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke.
6. Obesity and physical inactivity
Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, all of which contribute to stroke. A sedentary lifestyle also weakens circulation and metabolism. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 25%.