Ischemic Strokes & Hemorrhagic Strokes
Common Types of Strokes
While there are several different types of strokes, the most common are ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Understanding the causes of strokes and being able to quickly recognize the symptoms of a stroke make a significant difference in a patient's ability to fully recover.
What Is an Ischemic Stroke?
Ischemic strokes are the result of significantly reduced blood flow to the brain, caused by either narrowed or blocked blood vessels. They can also be caused by clots or other debris in the bloodstream that lodge in the brain. Ischemic strokes, also referred to as cerebral ischemia or brain ischemia, and can lead to significant damage or death of the brain cells.
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes. Roughly 200,000 diagnosed cases occur in the US every year, and account for more than 85 percent of all stroke events. They are considered critical events that require emergency care, so if you or a loved one is displaying any of the common stroke symptoms, it's important to contact a health care provider immediately.
What Is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
Hemorrhagic strokes are the result of a leak or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. The sub-types of a hemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid, parenchymal and intraventricular, each indicate the area of the brain in which the bleeding occurs.
Both genetic and lifestyle factors can impact or precede a hemorrhagic stroke. These factors include:
- Untreated high blood pressure
- Smoking history
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heavy drinking
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity