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There are two kinds of Strokes one that affects the heart (cardiovascular) and one that affects the brain (Cerebrovascular). Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or Stroke is the sudden death of a brain cell in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted to parts of the brain. Without blood to supply oxygen and nutrients, as well as to remove waste products, brain cells rapidly begin to die. Swelling then occurs among the cells; and blood and oxygen are further isolated from the surrounding cells, which again causes swelling in a repeated cycle. These surrounding cell, rather than the central core itself can cause much of the stroke patients disability> a stroke maybe mildly incapacitating or may involve a sudden coma depending on the blood vessel and region of the brain affected. Brain cells depend on the constant supply of oxygen and glucose that the bloodstream supply. Strokes damage the brain by interrupting this flow. About 80% of strokes that caused by clotted blood that obstructs circulation. The narrowing or blockage of an artery meanwhile is called ischemia. Atherosclerosis or progressive hardening of the arteries produces the obstruction of the vessels with fat derivatives. Most frequently, cholesterol forms plaques that build up on arterial walls, reducing the passage of blood. Furthermore clots tend to form where the plaque accumulates. Another form of ischemia is thrombosis. This is the blockage resulting from an embolus. An embolic stroke occurs when a small clot forms else where in the body (particularly in the heart) and breaks free from its original attachment, then carried to the bloodstream into the brain arteries and lodge there. The most common cause of cerebral embolism is atrial fibrillation, Atrial fibrillation AF is a type of irregular heartbeat. It is caused when the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and unpredictably, producing an irregular heartbeat. AF raises stroke risk because it allows blood to pool in the heart. When blood pools, it tends to form clots which can then be carried to the brain, causing a stroke. Long-term untreated AF can also weaken the heart, leading to heart failure. More than 70 percent of AF patients who have strokes will die. While an estimated 2.2 million people are diagnosed with AF, it is estimated that one-third of Americans who have it are still undiagnosed. Treatments are available for AF if it is diagnosed properly. Anyone can have a stroke no matter your age, race or gender. But, the chances of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, or criteria that can cause a stroke. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, and the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from stroke is to understand personal risk and how to manage it. There are 2 types of risk factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable. Controllable risk factors generally fall into two categories: lifestyle risk factors or medical risk factors. Lifestyle risk factors can often be changed, while medical risk factors can usually be treated. Both types can be managed best by working with a doctor, who can prescribe medications and advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Uncontrollable risk factors include being over age 55, being male, being African American, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander, or having a family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

High blood pressure means the heart is pumping harder to move blood through the body. This can weaken blood vessels and damage major organs, such as the brain. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke. Blood pressure, like a person's heart rate, will vary occasionally with exercise or stress. For people over age 18, an optimal blood pressure reading is considered 120/80 or lower. A blood pressure reading consistently higher than 120/80 is considered "pre-hypertension." High blood pressure or stage one hypertension is a measurement of 140/90 or higher. People who have high blood pressure have more than half the lifetime risk of having stroke compared to those who consistently have optimal blood pressure of 120/80. Anyone who has had a previous heart attack, stroke, is diabetic, has kidney disease, high cholesterol or is overweight should speak with a doctor about aggressively controlling and lowering blood pressure. Maintaining a blood pressure reading below 140/90 may reduce the risk of further complications. Doctors have long called high blood pressure the silent killer because a person can have high blood pressure and never have any symptoms. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening medical problems such as stroke, heart attack or kidney failure. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of stroke because it puts unnecessary stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thicken and deteriorate, which can eventually lead to a stroke. It can also speed up several common forms of heart disease. When blood vessel walls thicken with increased blood pressure, cholesterol or other fat-like substances may break off of artery walls and block a brain artery. In other instances, the increased stress can weaken blood vessel walls, leading to a vessel breakage and a brain hemorrhage. If a person has had a stroke, it is especially important to keep blood pressure controlled to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.In most people, high blood pressure can be controlled through diet, exercise, medication or a combination of all three.A diet that is low in salt and rich in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products may help lower blood pressure. Recent studies have also shown that increasing potassium intake, (for example, eating fresh fruits and vegetables), may help lower blood pressure.A program of regular exercise -- appropriate to a person's age and fitness level, and approved by a doctor -- may not only aid in weight loss, but also help to lower blood pressure. Approximately 20.8 million Americans have diabetes. People with diabetes are up to 4 times as likely to have a stroke as someone who does not have the disease, mainly because many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors. Diabetes is a disease that affects a persons ability to move blood sugar, or glucose, out of the blood and into the cells where it is used as the bodys primary source of fuel. There are 2 types of diabetes, Type I (insulin dependant) and Type II (non-insulin dependent). Type I diabetes usually emerges in childhood and is characterized by the bodys inability to

produce enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone the body uses to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Type II diabetes is more common. More than 90 percent of Americans with diabetes have Type II diabetes. With Type II, the body is able to produce insulin, but tissues develop a resistance to it and blood sugar levels rise above normal. It generally develops during adulthood and may escape notice for some time because many symptoms of the disease frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision seem harmless. Many people with diabetes have health problems that increase their risk for stroke. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor and leading causes of stroke. As many as 2 out of 3 adults with diabetes have high blood pressure. Heart attack and atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart beat) are also common among people with diabetes, and both increase the risk for stroke. Many people with diabetes also have high cholesterol, increasing their risk for stroke. Build-up of LDL cholesterol, sometimes called the bad cholesterol, can block blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the brain. Any time blood flow to the brain is decreased, the risk for stroke increases. Brain damage may be more severe and extensive if blood sugar is high when a stroke happens. Careful regulation of blood sugar, either with insulin or blood sugar-lowering pills, can help.