Glossary/General Cardiology

Stroke.

Sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, causing brain cell death. Can be ischemic (blocked artery) or hemorrhagic (bleeding). Atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of ischemic stroke, which is why anticoagulation is prescribed.

Definition

What is stroke?

Sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, causing brain cell death. Can be ischemic (blocked artery) or hemorrhagic (bleeding). Atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of ischemic stroke, which is why anticoagulation is prescribed.

Related Terms

Related glossary terms.

Atrial Fibrillation
The most common heart rhythm disorder, in which the upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and o...
Anticoagulant
A medication that reduces the blood's ability to form clots. Commonly prescribed after mechanical...
CHA2DS2-VASc Score
A scoring system used to estimate the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Incorp...
Left Atrial Appendage Closure
A procedure to seal off the left atrial appendage, a small pouch in the heart where blood clots c...
See Also

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