Main risk factor for stroke is due to hypertension and arteriosclerosis
Among these two factors, hypertension mainly accelerates the process of arteriosclerosis. Whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke, hypertension is the most common and primary risk factor for stroke.
According to our clinical practice summary: approximately 95% of patients with cerebral hemorrhage stroke have a history of hypertension; 85% of patients with cerebral thrombosis also have a history of hypertension. It’s no wonder that people often associate hypertension with stroke, mainly because hypertension and stroke occurrence are inseparable.
In clinical practice, we can see that patients with a history of hypertension have a 7-8 times higher risk of stroke than those without hypertension. If the systolic blood pressure exceeds 120mmHg, the risk of stroke increases by 6-7 times, and the mortality rate increases by 1 time. From the above clinical observations, hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke.
Both clinical practice and theoretical research have confirmed that hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke. However, the pathological basis of stroke is arteriosclerosis. 70% of stroke patients have arteriosclerosis, and after arteriosclerosis occurs, cholesterol in the blood will deposit on the walls of blood vessels and form thrombus. This is why blood hemorheology examination is often used in clinical practice to check blood viscosity and observe the development and prognosis of the disease.
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke primarily because it exerts excessive force on the walls of blood vessels, particularly in the brain.
Over time, this constant pressure can damage and weaken the blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to rupture or form aneurysms. Additionally, hypertension can lead to the thickening and narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of blood clots forming, which can block blood vessels and cause an ischemic stroke. Therefore, effectively managing hypertension through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring is crucial in reducing the risk of stroke.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, stands as a primary risk factor for stroke, significantly increasing the likelihood of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke events. The chronic elevated pressure exerted on the arterial walls can lead to structural changes such as thickening, narrowing, and the formation of microaneurysms, which compromise vascular integrity and function. This damage not only increases the risk of blood vessel rupture but also promotes atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup further obstructs blood flow to the brain.
Hypertension significantly increases the risk of stroke due to several physiological mechanisms:
- Vascular Damage: Chronic high blood pressure can cause the walls of blood vessels to become thicker and less elastic. This condition, known as arteriosclerosis, narrows the vessels and reduces their ability to expand and contract, which is essential for maintaining normal blood flow. The constant high pressure can also lead to the formation of microaneurysms, small bulges in the vessel walls that can rupture, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke.
- Plaque Formation: Hypertension accelerates the buildup of fatty plaques (atherosclerosis) within the arterial walls. This buildup narrows the arteries and can lead to the formation of blood clots. If a clot breaks loose and blocks a blood vessel in the brain, it can cause an ischemic stroke.
- Increased Blood Flow Velocity: High blood pressure increases the velocity of blood flow through the vessels. This rapid flow can damage the endothelial lining of the blood vessels, making them more prone to inflammation and further plaque buildup.
- Impaired Blood Flow: The combination of narrowed arteries and increased blood flow velocity can reduce blood flow to the brain. Reduced blood flow can deprive brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and an ischemic stroke.
- Renal Damage: Hypertension can also damage the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the volume of fluid in the body. Damaged kidneys may not be able to excrete enough fluid, leading to fluid retention and further increases in blood pressure.
- Neurological Effects: High blood pressure can also have direct neurological effects. It can increase the pressure within the skull, leading to swelling of the brain tissue and potentially causing a stroke.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to manage hypertension through a combination of lifestyle modifications (such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management) and, if necessary, medication. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and adherence to treatment plans are crucial in preventing the devastating consequences of stroke.
