Etiology of stroke

Abstract Stroke (brain attack) is currently the third leading cause of death in Western societies. Recent advances in molecular genetics have finally demonstrated what has long been suggested by the clinical observation, that is, stroke is not only the complication of major pathologic conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, or cardiac diseases, but rather it represents a complex trait itself. Thus, the pathogenesis of stroke is often the result of the combined effects of genes exerting a direct contributory role and of their interactions with several environmental determinants. A genetic dissection of stroke has been attempted in suitable animal models and in humans. With this approach, the genetic defects underlying monogenic disorders associated with stroke were identified. Moreover, important findings have recently highlighted the contribution of genes encoding cardiovascular hormones, such as the atrial natriuretic peptide, for the pathogenesis of multifactorial, polygenic forms of stroke. A more thorough understanding of the fine mechanisms, dependent from mutations within stroke susceptibility genes and underlying the disease pathogenesis, may help to introduce new specific tools to achieve better prevention and treatment of stroke. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:1139–1148 © 2000 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd. Although overall cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of death in Western societies and for all ethnic groups, Both researchers and ph...

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. While this can be frustrating, ongoing research is helping us understand this medical mystery, offering new methods of detection and treatment. Neurologist How often do cryptogenic strokes occur? Ischemic strokes account for 85%of all strokes. Thesestrokes happen when an artery to your brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot.About 25%of ischemicstrokesare cryptogenic, meaning that tests do not show a definitive cause. The other 15%of strokes are considered hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures in your brain. What are the remedies for cryptogenic stroke? While there’s research to help uncover the most effective treatments, doctors treat most people who have cryptogenic strokes with aspirin — the kind you find in an average person’s medicine cabinet. It’s still important to know the If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke,call Can the cause of cryptogenic stroke be found? “One way doctors reduce the number cryptogenic strokes is toperform a thorough evaluation,” Dr. Katzan says. “The level of medical evaluation after a stroke is critical and the diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke may depend on how intense the effort is to get the reason for the stroke,” she adds. Doctors typically do the followingto find the cause of stroke: • Evaluate your heart. • Monit...