Heart Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are another common cause of strokes. When the heart is not in tip-top shape, has fatty deposits or plaque buildup, has an abnormal rhythm, or whose valves do not open enough for blood flow to go smoothly as it should, it may lead to stroke or cardiac arrest.
Heart health is very much a factor in stroke because the heart involves the blood vessels in its functions. So whether the problem is a congenital disability or something that people develop over time due to an unhealthy lifestyle, it can significantly cause impact on the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and increase one’s risk for stroke.
For example, in coronary artery disease, plaque builds up in the heart, narrowing the arteries and disrupting the blood flow. Meanwhile, in congestive heart failure, the heart fails to pump enough blood to other body parts. Unlike the common impression, the heart does not stop pumping. It’s just not pumping well enough to meet the body’s demands. In both cases, problems with how well the heart functions affect blood flow and may cause a stroke.
