High Blood Pressure And Stroke

High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. People with high blood pressure are up to ten times more likely than people with normal blood pressure to have a stroke.

Like the heart, the brain depends on a constant supply of oxygenated blood. A stroke occurs when the brain's supply of oxygen and other nutrients is cut off. This can happen when the arteries leading to the brain become blocked (ischemic stroke) or when the artery wall tears (hemorrhagic stroke).

This "brain attack" can cause permanent or temporary damage. If the stoppage and damage is temporary, it is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA).