Brain Diseases and Stroke

A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die.

In the U.S., approximately 40 percent of people who die from stroke are male, with 60 percent of deaths occurring in females.

The different types of stroke have different causes. However, stroke is more likely to affect people if they have the following risk factors:

• Being overweight
• Being aged 55 years or older
• Personal or family history of stroke
• An inactive lifestyle
• A tendency to drink heavily, smoke, or use illicit drugs