Most strokes are ischemic. You get them when a fatty substance called plaque collects in your arteries and narrows them. This is called atherosclerosis, and it slows the flow of blood. As it pools, blood can clump and form clots -- and your artery gets blocked.
Besides atherosclerosis, some other things that can raise your chances of getting an ischemic stroke are:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart attack
- Problem with your heart's valves
- Injury to blood vessels in your neck
- Blood clotting problem