AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12731
53 days ago
155

reason for heart stroke - #12731

Rudra

I am really concerned about my grandpa. He’s always beeen healthy, but just last week, out of nowhere, he suffered a heart stroke, and now he’s in the hospital. It's so frustrating not knowing what caused this, like what was the reaaason for the heart stroke? He’s never shown any major symptoms before, just the usual aging stuff, y'know? He did have high cholesterol numbers from the tests last year, but he was managing it well, or at least we thought. I'm trying to understand what could've led to such a sudden heart stroke. Is there a specific reeaason for heart stroke that I should be aware of? Like, what are the risk factors? I've heard about things like hypertension and diabetes being big players, but can stress or lifestyle choices really make that much of an impact to be the sole reeson for a heart stroke? It’s just confusing because he was always active, you know? Could it be something in the diet too? I mean, he loved his fried food but cut back a lot lately. I just wanna get a handle on this because I feel like I should have seen warning signs or something. What are some things to watch for moving forward?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Heart stroke, commonly referred to as a “stroke” or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is typically caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain, either due to a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). You mentioned your grandpa had high cholesterol, which can lead to the formation of fatty deposits in blood vessels, potentially causing blockages. This could certainly contribute to stroke risk, as it may result in narrowing or even complete blockage of arteries supplying the brain. As you pointed out, hypertension and diabetes are also significant risk factors; they can damage blood vessels, making them more likely to narrow or rupture. Stress and lifestyle factors—such as physical inactivity, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption—can indeed play a crucial role, elevating the likelihood of such events over time. Fried foods and high-fat diets can increase cholesterol levels, adding to the risk. It’s good he cut back, but sometimes changes take time to have a real impact. Also, some people are predisposed due to genetic factors—they might have a natural susceptibility to developing vascular issues at an earlier stage than others. To help prevent future events, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol closely, ensuring they are within target ranges. Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps. Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health significantly. While medications can be necessary to control cholesterol and blood pressure, never underestimate the power of lifestyle modifactions. Stay vigilant for warning signs like sudden weakness, numbness (especially on one side of the body), difficulty speaking, or loss of balance. These warrant immediate medical attention. Managing these risk factors, even if he feels well, is key moving forward. Keep discussing with his healthcare provider to tailor specific prevention strategies.

7088 answered questions
76% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions