Types of stroke
Find out more about the different types of stroke and why they happen.
National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (Patient version)
Resource type: Information guide
Publication type: Stroke information
This book tells you what care should be provided after stroke. It is written for people affected by stroke and their carers. It's a short version of the detailed National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (5th edition).
Are you at risk of stroke?
Anyone can have a stroke, although there are some things that make you more at risk than others.
Ischaemic stroke
An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot, or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in our blood. Reducing your cholesterol level can reduce your risk of stroke.
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in your heart. Having atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke by five times.