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Dr. Miller’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis refers to loss of neurologic functions (brain attack), which occurs becauseĀ of atherosclerosis.
Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis affects about 2 out of 1,000 people, or approximately 50% of all those who have strokes.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) occurs when sticky, fatty substances called plaque build up in the inner lining of the arteries. The plaque may slowly block or narrow an artery or trigger a clot (thrombus). Clots can lead to stroke.
Risks for stroke secondary to atherosclerosis include:
Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.