<s>[INST] What causes a stroke? [/INST] There is no single cause for stroke but certain factors increase the risk of a stroke. Most strokes occur in the second half of life and are caused by damage to the blood vessels – and sometimes to the heart – which has been building up slowly over time. This damage usually happens as a result of prolonged exposure to high blood pressure. If in addition the patient is overweight, smokes, drinks heavily or has a sedentary lifestyle, the risk of stroke is increased.

A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to blocked or ruptured blood vessels. When a blood vessel is blocked, it results in a type of stroke called ischemic stroke (usually caused by a blood clot or fatty deposits building up on the walls of blood vessels), whereas haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain causing bleeding and pressure on specific brain tissue.

Unfortunately, stroke can affect anyone at any time, regardless of their age; however the risks can substantially be minimised by a healthy lifestyle anyone can suffer a stroke at any time, although the risks can be substantially reduced by a healthy lifestyle. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s>