How do cerebral vascular diseases occur?

Cerebral vascular diseases mainly occur in the following situations:

• The first type is caused by the blockage of clots formed around the brain’s blood vessels. Atherosclerosis and fatty deposits in the arteries can affect the brain’s blood vessels. Clots form in the brain arteries due to the deposition of these substances, causing obstructions in the blood supply to the brain tissue, resulting in damage to the brain tissue and thereby causing cerebral vascular diseases. The clot that blocks the blood flow in the vessel is called a thrombus, so medically, this type of cerebral vascular disease is called cerebral thrombosis. The part of the brain tissue that does not receive blood supply will undergo necrosis, which is medically called cerebral infarction or cerebral infarct. This is the most common cause of cerebral vascular disease.
• The second type is caused by the blockage of wandering clots. A clot that has detached from the heart or another part of the body flows into the cerebral vessels and gets blocked in a certain part of the brain, interrupting the blood supply at the blocked site and causing cerebral vascular disease. The result of this is the same as that of the fixed clot blockage in the cerebral artery. This type of cerebral vascular disease caused by wandering clots is called cerebral embolism in medicine.
• The third type is caused by intracranial arterial hemorrhage. It is usually caused by long-term hypertension, which can weaken the elasticity of the cerebral artery wall, causing rupture and bleeding into the brain tissue. This type of cerebral vascular disease is called cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral bleeding in medicine.
• The fourth type is caused by intracranial arterial aneurysms. These are caused by the bulging of the vessel wall like a balloon due to weak points in the cerebral artery wall. They mostly occur at the base of the brain, where the brain’s blood vessels are prone to rupture. When a brain arterial aneurysm ruptures, blood flows into the cerebrospinal fluid, causing this type of cerebral vascular disease, which is medically called subarachnoid hemorrhage.

There is another special type called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a transient ischemic attack. It is commonly referred to as a “mini-stroke” or “minor stroke”. It occurs when atherosclerotic plaques on the arterial wall rupture or small fragments enter small blood vessels, or when microvessels spasm, or when there are abnormalities in hemodynamics or blood rheology, leading to temporary disruption of cerebral blood circulation. This temporarily blocks blood flow and temporarily hinders the blood supply to the brain. Since cerebral ischemia in this case is temporary and does not result in complete vascular occlusion, it generally returns to normal within 24 hours.

In addition to the mentioned types, other conditions such as inflammation, blood disorders, malignant tumors, as well as the entry of air or fat into cerebral blood vessels causing embolism can also cause cerebrovascular diseases. These diseases and factors can damage, narrow, or block cerebral blood vessels, thereby affecting the blood supply to the brain and causing varying degrees of cerebral dysfunction. Prevention and early detection of these diseases are crucial in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases.

In China, cerebrovascular diseases have become one of the common diseases among the elderly, imposing a significant burden on patients’ quality of life and their families and society. Therefore, it is of great significance to pay attention to the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Japan has implemented a variety of strategies and initiatives to prevent cerebrovascular diseases, also known as strokes. These efforts are multifaceted and involve both public health campaigns and medical interventions. Here are some of the key areas where Japan has focused its prevention efforts:

1. Smoking Cessation Programs: Japan has implemented campaigns to reduce smoking rates, as smoking is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases. This includes public awareness campaigns, restrictions on smoking in public places, and support for smokers who wish to quit.
2. Dietary Recommendations: The Japanese diet, traditionally rich in fish, vegetables, and soy products, is often cited as a factor in the relatively low rates of cardiovascular disease in Japan. The government promotes a diet high in fiber, low in saturated fats, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish.
3. Physical Activity Promotion: Encouraging regular physical activity is a cornerstone of stroke prevention. Japan promotes exercise through school physical education programs, community sports, and public health campaigns that emphasize the importance of daily exercise.
4. Blood Pressure Control: High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. Japan has implemented screening programs to detect hypertension early and provide treatment to control blood pressure. This includes public health campaigns to educate about the risks of hypertension and the importance of regular check-ups.
5. Stroke Units and Emergency Response: Japan has established specialized stroke units in hospitals and improved emergency medical services to ensure rapid response and treatment in the event of a stroke. This includes training for healthcare professionals and the public on the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
6. Research and Development: Japan invests in research to better understand the causes of cerebrovascular diseases and to develop new treatments and preventive measures. This includes studies on genetic factors, environmental influences, and the effectiveness of various interventions.
7. Public Awareness Campaigns: Japan conducts regular public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the risk factors for stroke, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of early detection and treatment.

By addressing these areas, Japan has been able to make significant strides in reducing the incidence and mortality rates of cerebrovascular diseases. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to adapt to changing lifestyles and demographic trends, such as an aging population.