Why do strokes kill people

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells are starved of oxygen, they die. Stroke is a medical emergency. A delay in treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major risk factor for stroke. Four out of 5 men with high blood pressure do not have their blood pressure controlled.

Half of U. Active and healthy, Adrian thought he was the last person who needed to think about stroke. But Adrian did not realize that he had an increased risk of stroke due to family history. Strong men put their health first. Learn about heart health external icon and share what you know with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones first.

At any sign of stroke call immediately. Treatment may be available. Stroke only affects the elderly. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Stroke happens in the heart. Stroke recovery is a lifelong process. Strokes are rare. Patient Gateway. Patient Rights. Patient Safety. Patient and Family Services. Care Decisions. Family Rounds. Family Support Groups. Interpreter Services.

Patient Family Advisory Council. Patient and Family Relations. Pastoral Care Services. Classes and Services. Childbirth Education. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. All Support Groups. View all. Annual Golf Classic. Emergency Department. Salem Hospital. Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center. Anyone, including children, can have a stroke at any time. Every year, about , people in the United States have a stroke—and about 1 out of 4 of those strokes are recurrent strokes.

Several factors that are beyond your control can increase your risk for stroke. These include your age, sex, and ethnicity. But there are many unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise, that you can change to lower your stroke risk.

Using tobacco products and having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity can also increase your risk for stroke. However, treating these conditions can reduce your risk. Ask your doctor about preventing or treating these medical conditions.

An easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke and how to respond is with the acronym F. Does one side droop? Does one arm drift downward? Are the words slurred?