Inducing Stroke: Methods And Consequences

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding in the brain. This interruption in blood flow causes brain cells to die within minutes, leading to a loss of brain function. While a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, certain factors can increase the risk of experiencing one. These risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, birth control pills, and a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, and substance use can also impact the likelihood of having a stroke. It is important to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment improves the chances of recovery.

High blood pressure

There are two main types of stroke: ischaemic and haemorrhagic. An ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel leading to the brain, while a haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain becomes weaker and bursts. High blood pressure is a particular risk factor for haemorrhagic strokes, as it can weaken blood vessels and make them more prone to rupturing.

To lower your risk of stroke, it is important to maintain healthy blood pressure. The recommended blood pressure range is below 130/80 mm Hg. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet
• Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity)
• Losing weight if overweight or obese
• Reducing salt intake
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours regularly)
• Managing stress in healthy ways

If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower your blood pressure, medication may be prescribed by your doctor. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers are common types of blood pressure medications. Additionally, regular blood pressure monitoring at home can help track changes and evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.

Smoking and tobacco use

There are several ways smoking raises the risk of stroke:

• Cholesterol: Smoking reduces 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increases 'bad' low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Oxygen levels: Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.
• Blood pressure: Tobacco contains nicotine, which elevates heart rate and blood pressure. High blood pressure is the biggest cause of strokes.
• Blood clotting: The chemicals in tobacco smoke thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting.

Together, these effects increase the risk of the arteries narrowing and hardening (atherosclerosis). When arteries become narrow and less flexible, it reduces blood flow, raises blood pressure, and increases the likelihood of blood clots. Blood clots can travel and become lodged in the brain, potentially causing a stroke.

The World Stroke Organization reports that people who smoke 20 cigarettes daily are six times more likely to have a stroke than non-smokers. Doctors associate smoking with a two- to four-time increased risk of ischemic stroke and intracranial bleeds, or bleeding in the brain.

Quitting smoking can significantly lower the chance of stroke. Studies have shown that the risk of stroke in ex-smokers becomes similar to that of people who have never smoked after five to ten years.

Alcohol abuse

Heavy drinking is a significant risk factor for hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by bleeding in the brain. Research has shown that heavy drinkers have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke earlier in life, with regular heavy drinkers having strokes at an average age of 60, 14 years earlier than non-heavy drinkers. Young and middle-aged men are more likely to suffer from alcohol-related strokes than women or elderly persons, possibly because they are more likely to be current heavy drinkers.

Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to hypertension, which is a direct risk factor for strokes. Alcohol abuse can also cause certain heart problems, such as atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy, that increase the risk of stroke. In addition, alcohol inhibits coagulation, which may explain its link to hemorrhagic strokes.

On the other hand, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption (less than one drink per day) may offer some protection against ischemic strokes by reducing atherothrombotic events. However, this protective effect is lost when alcohol consumption exceeds two drinks per day. Therefore, it is important to limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day to maintain a lower risk of stroke.

Illegal drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine can cause a sudden stroke during or shortly after use. It drastically increases blood pressure and can cause bleeding in the brain. It can also cause a narrowing or spasm of blood vessels. Injecting cocaine can increase the risk of infections of the heart valves.
• Amphetamines: Amphetamines, such as methamphetamine, can cause a sudden spike in high blood pressure. Long-term use increases the risk of stroke by causing abnormal functioning in the blood vessels of the brain while harming the rest of the body.
• Heroin: Intravenous heroin can increase the risk of endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart. The bacteria can leave the heart and travel to the brain, initiating a stroke. A heroin overdose can also cause shallow breathing, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain.
• Opioids: Opioids, including the illegal drug heroin, can lead to infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart lining, especially when needles are shared or not clean.
• Ecstasy: Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a synthetic stimulant with hallucinogenic effects. It affects blood pressure and heart rate.
• Marijuana: Smoking marijuana can increase blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases.

High cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good cholesterol", and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol". HDL helps carry LDL away from the blood cells and back to the liver, where it is destroyed. On the other hand, high levels of LDL can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries, causing them to narrow and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis, and it increases your risk of stroke.

To reduce your cholesterol levels, it is recommended to cut down on foods high in saturated fat, such as full-fat dairy, fatty meat, cakes, pastries, deep-fried foods, and processed meat. Instead, increase your intake of soluble fibre (found in oats, beans, peas, pulses, nuts, fruits, and vegetables), oily fish (such as salmon or mackerel), and plant sterols and stanols (found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils). Engaging in regular physical activity, losing weight, and quitting smoking can also help lower cholesterol levels.

If lifestyle changes are insufficient to manage high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins, which are the most commonly prescribed drugs for this purpose.

Frequently asked questions