Stroke And High Blood Pressure

How Does High Blood Pressure Cause Stroke

‘I think, overall, what we’re going to end up finding is blood pressure is responsible for a lot diseases in a number of different ways that we probably didn’t understand even until 2018.’ — @neuronirav #stroke #hypertension

I used to wonder how high blood pressure could cause an ischemic stroke. To my mind, it seemed like higher pressure should be able to just push a clot out of the way. In 2019, I got some answers when I sat down with Dr. Shah and he explained it to me. This conversation is as relevant today as it was in 2019 when we originally spoke. and Im generally in the neighborhood of 130/75 these days. Not perfect, but pretty darn good.

When I had my stroke at 46, it took a little while for the medical team to settle on the cause. I suppose thats a good thing. We dont want them to rush to a conclusion. Ultimately, they concluded the probable cause was a history of high blood pressure. It didnt make sense to me at the time.

In 2015 I developed high blood pressure, AKA hypertension, but I didnt know. Thats the thing about high blood pressure it doesnt hurt. There was no pain.

‘The pressure in the artery can create a sheer stress.’ — @neuronirav #stroke #hypertension

Over the course of the next few months, we worked to get my BP under control through medication and some diet tweaks.

Be February of 2017, it was down to 100/70.

And on June 3, 2017, I had my stroke.

Reducing The Risk Of A Stroke

It’s not possible to completely prevent strokes because some things that increase your risk of the condition cannot be changed.

These include:

• age you’re more likely to have a stroke if you’re over 55, although about 1 in 4 strokes happen to younger people
• family history if a close relative has had a stroke, your risk is likely to be higher
• ethnicity if you’re south Asian, African or Caribbean, your risk of stroke is higher, partly because rates of diabetes and high blood pressure are higher in these groups
• your medical history if you have previously had a stroke, transient ischaemic attack or heart attack, your risk of stroke is higher

But it’s possible to significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke by making lifestyle changes to avoid problems such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

You should also get medical advice if you think you may have an irregular heartbeat .

This can be a sign of atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of a stroke.

Find out more about how to prevent strokes.

Page last reviewed: 13 September 2022 Next review due: 13 September 2025

Salt Intake And Stroke

High salt intake, measured as 24-h urinary sodium excretion, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, mainly stroke . The same can be seen in individuals with chronic kidney disease, for which the risk of stroke increases linearly when urinary sodium excretion increases . A majority of our participants, 61%, with stroke had impaired kidney function, defined as diabetic nephropathy. Yet, we did not find any associations with urinary sodium and potassium excretion and stroke. One possibility for this result could be the low number of individuals tested we only had information on urinary sodium and potassium excretion available for 115 participants with stroke. Many of these individuals also had micro- or macroalbuminuria, which in some part affect the urinary excretion. On the other hand, no trends towards any associations were seen in the analyses.

Recommended Reading: Freestyle Precision Neo Blood Glucose Test Strips

What Happens When You Have High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the silent killer because you dont feel, hear, or see any symptoms. When you have hypertension, the force of the blood pushing against your arteries is too strong. Your heart has to work harder than it should, which can damage your arteries and organs over time and lead to a multitude of health problems.

Over time, high blood pressure can cause strokes and heart disease. Research also indicates that people with hypertension have more problems with their memory, including a greater chance of developing dementia.

Heart Attack And Heart Disease

High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:

• Chest pain, also called angina.
• Heart attack, which happens when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.
• Heart failure, a condition that means your heart cant pump enough blood and oxygen to your other organs.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Order Of Blood Flow

Diabetes And Renal Status

We defined type 1 diabetes as diabetes diagnosis before 40 years of age and insulin medication commenced within 1 year after diagnosis. The mean age at baseline was 37.4± 11.9 years, the median duration of diabetes was 20.9 years, and 52% of the participants were men. Each participant collected timed urine samples for the measurement of urinary albumin excretion rate . Diabetic nephropathy was defined as having a UAER of 200 µg/min or 300 mg/24 h or having end-stage renal disease . ESRD was defined as ongoing dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation. Severe diabetic retinopathy was defined as history of retinal photocoagulation. Coronary heart disease was defined as a history of myocardial infarction or coronary artery revascularization, or treatment with long-acting nitroglycerin.

How Is A Stroke Treated

Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on:

• Your age, overall health, and past health

• The type of stroke you had

• How severe your stroke was

• Where in your brain the stroke happened

• What caused your stroke

• How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies

• Your opinion or preference

There is no cure for stroke once it has occurred. But advanced medical andsurgical treatments are available. These can help reduce your risk foranother stroke.

Treatment is most effective when started right away. Emergency treatmentafter a stroke may include:

• Clot-busting medicines . These medicines dissolve the blood clots that cause an ischemic stroke. They can help reduce the damage to brain cells caused by the stroke. To be most effective, they must be given within 3 hours of a stroke occurring.

• Medicines and therapy to reduce or control brain swelling. Special types of IV fluids are often used to help reduce or control brain swelling. They are used especially after a hemorrhagic stroke.

• Neuroprotective medicines. These medicines help protect the brain from damage and lack of oxygen .

• Life support measures. These treatments include using a machine to help you breathe , having IV fluids, getting proper nutrition, and controlling your blood pressure.

• Craniotomy. This is a type of brain surgery that is done to remove blood clots, relieve pressure, or repair bleeding in the brain.

You May Like: Diarrhea With Blood In Dogs

High Blood Pressure And Strokes: How Are They Connected

3 Minute Read

Researchers and doctors have known for years that high blood pressure causes strokes. The connection between high blood pressure and strokes is well documented. But did you know that high blood pressure also increases your risk of having a mini stroke and can even lead to other brain disorders like dementia?

Blood Pressure Management For Patients With Stable Cardiovascular Disease

There is little evidence for the benefits in total mortality, serious adverse events, or total cardiovascular events for people with hypertension and cardiovascular disease treated to lower than target BP. Also, there is very limited evidence on adverse events associated with lower BP targets, which leads to high uncertainty. At present, evidence is insufficient to justify lower BP targets in people with hypertension and established cardiovascular disease. Further randomised clinical trials are needed to address this question.

You May Like: When Should You Go To Hospital For High Blood Pressure

How Is A Stroke Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will take a complete health history and do aphysical exam. You will need tests for stroke such as brain imaging andmeasuring the blood flow in the brain. Tests may include:

• CT scan of the brain. An imaging test that uses X-rays to take clear, detailed images of the brain. A brain CT scan can show bleeding in the brain or damage to brain cells caused by a stroke. It is used to find abnormalities and help find the location or type of stroke.

• MRI . This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body. An MRI uses magnetic fields to find small changes in brain tissue that help to find and diagnose stroke.

• CTA . An X-ray image of the blood vessels. A CT angiogram uses CT technology to get images of blood vessels.

• MRA . This test uses MRI technology to check blood flow through the arteries.

• Doppler sonography . A test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your carotid arteries. This test can show if plaque has narrowed or blocked your carotid arteries.

The following heart tests may also be used to help diagnose heart problemsthat may have led to a stroke:

American Heart Association News Stories

American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Associationâs official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt or reprint from these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Associationâs Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

You May Like: Cast Of True Blood Season 1

High Blood Pressure And Stroke

Whats blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Its recorded as two numbers systolic pressure over diastolic pressure . Learn more about blood pressure readings or watch an animation of blood pressure.

Whats high blood pressure? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts too much pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing small tears. Our body then kicks into an injury-healing mode to repair the tears with scar tissue. But the scar tissue traps substances that make up plaque and can lead to blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries.

Several factors can increase your risk of high blood pressure, including family history, age, lack of physical activity, poor diet, gender-related risk patterns, obesity and drinking too much alcohol. Learn more about high blood pressure risk factors.

Why manage blood pressure?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. Its called the silent killer because it has no symptoms. Many people dont know they have it, so it’s very important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Blockages and blood clots limit blood to vital organs, and without blood, the tissue dies. Thats why high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure.

How do you reduce blood pressure?

What Causes High Blood Pressure

In most cases it is impossible to pinpoint an exact cause. However, there are a number of risk factors that have been linked to high blood pressure. These include:

• A family history of high blood pressure
• Men are more likely to have high blood pressure than women
• Being overweight
• A diet high in salt.

Don’t Miss: Vitamins That Increase Blood Flow

Blood Pressure Management In Hypertensive Emergencies Involving Brain Damage

BP management in hypertensive emergencies involving brain damage should consider that the pathophysiology of brain damage is unique to each condition. Management should be tailored according to the disease and there is not a single recommendation that fits all. Consequently, the right diagnosis is crucial based upon clinical features, brain imaging, neurovascular evaluations and cardiac tests.

High Blood Pressure And Mini Strokes

A mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack , occurs when a temporary clot forms. The symptoms are similar to a full-blown stroke: paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty talking, trouble with balance, blurred vision, confusion, and an altered sense of taste or smell.

High blood pressure can cause both strokes and TIAs the major difference is how long they last. Mini strokes typically last only a few minutes. But because the symptoms are so similar, you should call 911 if a loved one shows signs of a stroke even if their symptoms disappear in a few minutes.

You May Like: Why Does My Blood Pressure Go Up At Night

What Happens When You Have A Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is narrowed or blocked by a clot or bursts . When that happens, part of the brain is no longer getting the blood and oxygen it needs so it starts to die. Your brain controls your movement and thoughts, so a stroke threatens your ability to think, move and function. Strokes also can affect language, memory and vision. Severe strokes may even cause paralysis or death.

A majority of strokes are ischemic strokes Watch an interactive animation of an ischemic stroke.

A much smaller percentage of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes that occur when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain, resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage on the surface of the brain or intracerebral hemorrhage deep within the brain. View a detailed animation of a hemorrhagic stroke.

A TIA is caused by a temporary clot. Often called a mini stroke, these warning strokes should be taken seriously. See what happens during a TIA.

Dont let high blood pressure lead to stroke:

Who Can Get High Blood Pressure

The chance of having high blood pressure goes up as we get older. Youre more likely to develop it if you have a family history of high blood pressure. And people of black African or black Caribbean origins are more likely to have high blood pressure than the rest of the population.

Some things that put you at greater risk of high blood pressure include:

• Eating too much salt.
• Drinking more than the safe limits for alcohol.

Some health conditions can cause high blood pressure, including:

• Kidney disease.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea .

Some medications can affect blood pressure including the combined oral contraceptive pill and steroids. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also raise blood pressure.

Stress and high blood pressure

Feeling stressed can raise your blood pressure for a short time, but it isnt a direct cause of high blood pressure. However, if youre under stress you might eat unhealthy food, drink too much or lose out on sleep. All these things can eventually lead to high blood pressure. So it is a good idea to reduce your stress levels as part of a healthy lifestyle.

High blood pressure in pregnancy

If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, your blood pressure will be monitored during pregnancy, labour and after the birth. If its very high you may need to stay in hospital until it improves.

You May Like: What Does Low Red Blood Cells Mean

How Hypertension Can Cause Heart Disease

Hypertension damages the arteries leading to your heart, as well as the heart itself.

Specifically, the force of high blood pressure stiffens your arteries. It also makes your arteries more prone to plaque buildup. In turn, your arteries become narrow in a process called atherosclerosis.

High blood pressure also forces your heart to work hard to pump blood. As a result, the heart muscle thickens in order to handle the increased pressure. This makes your heart less elastic.

These changes to your arteries and heart reduce blood flow. It can cause heart disease, which may lead to problems like:

• Coronary artery disease.Coronary artery disease is when plaque accumulates in your arteries. Its the most common type of heart disease.
• Heart attack. A heart attack happens when damaged arteries become blocked and prevent blood from reaching your heart.
• Heart failure. As your heart thickens due to hypertension, it becomes weak. Eventually, your heart might fail to work properly.

Hypertension can also lead to stroke. Again, this is due to the damaging effects of hypertension on your arteries.

There are two main types of strokes. Both types may be caused by hypertension:

Stroke Happens Protection Works

Boston Scientific is committed on raising awareness for the potential risk of stroke in TAVI patients and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. To this end we have launched a unique intiative showcasing Protected TAVI cases and at the same time providing support to Stroke Associations to help in their efforts of research into and development of measures to prevent stroke.

Also Check: Waking Up With Low Blood Sugar

What Are The Symptoms Of A Stroke

A stroke is an emergency situation. Its important to know the signs of astroke and get help quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency number rightaway. Treatment is most effective when started right away.

Stroke symptoms may happen suddenly. Each persons symptoms may vary.Symptoms may include:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body

• Having trouble speaking or understanding

• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination

• Problems with movement or walking

• Fainting or seizure

• Severe headaches with no known cause, especially if they happen suddenly

Other less common symptoms of stroke may include:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness

• Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures, or coma

• TIA, called a mini-stroke

A TIA can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. But TIA symptoms arepassing. They can last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours. Call formedical help right away if you think someone is having a TIA. It may be awarning sign that a stroke is about to occur. But not all TIAs are followedby a stroke.