# Stroke

Condition · id `core:stroke` · Cardiovascular Atlas · release `2b2017b84496b985` (public)

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Browse, organ or system: Brain  
Browse, condition area: Stroke  

## In plain language

A sudden loss of brain function. It happens when part of the brain does not get enough blood or when there is bleeding inside the skull.

## Technical summary

MeSH descriptor D020521 groups conditions in which brain function is lost suddenly, without convulsions, because the blood supply to the brain fails (ischemia) or because of bleeding inside the skull (intracranial hemorrhage). MeSH sorts strokes by where in the brain they occur, which vessels are involved, the cause, the age of the person and whether there is bleeding. Subtypes are not recorded here.

## Connected pages

- Risk raised by: Hypertension (high blood pressure) (`core:hypertension`) [a claim, not a settled fact; see claim `cardio:claim-hypertension-raises-stroke-risk` and its context]
- Related to: Stroke as an outcome (`core:outcome-stroke`)
- Related to: Preventing heart attack, stroke and heart failure (`cardio:cardiovascular-prevention`)
- Evaluated for this: Salt substitution (lower-sodium, potassium-containing salt) (`cardio:salt-substitution`) [a claim, not a settled fact; see claim `cardio:claim-ssass-stroke-effect` and its context]
- Risk raised by: High sodium intake (`cardio:high-sodium-intake`) [a claim, not a settled fact; see claim `cardio:claim-high-sodium-raises-stroke-risk` and its context]
- Investigated in: China Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS) (`cardio:ssass`)

## Provenance

Content hash: 0ce1f0f5527ece7b16d91bcd88df1e4dfe54b96caac0cb683b9a58b530e9a215
Last substantive edit: 2026-10-11
Evidence last checked: 2026-10-11