A stroke is a rapid loss of brain functions as a result of irregular blood circulation to the brain. This can be due to lack of blood supply or due to a haemorrhage (loss of blood from the internal or external circulatory system). The lack of blood supply is usually an interruption of blood supply to the brain and a haemorrhage can be a rupture of a blood vessel or an abnormal vascular structure.
About 80% of strokes are due to an interruption of blood supply to the brain. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world and may soon become the leading cause. Strokes are medical emergencies and can cause permanent neurological damage.
It is important to maintain good blood circulation to prevent strokes, especially when other organs in the body are weakening or the person is older. The increased number of occurrences of strokes, and associated death rates, means there is an urgent need for everybody to maintain a reasonable level of exercise and thus ensure good blood circulation.
