What is a stroke characterized by?

A stroke is primarily characterized by the interruption of blood supply to the brain. This disruption can occur due to either a blockage in the blood vessels leading to the brain, commonly known as an ischemic stroke, or bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel, referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.

When the blood supply is interrupted, brain cells begin to die due to a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients, which can lead to significant neurological impairment and can occur rapidly. Identifying this critical aspect of strokes is essential for understanding their potential effects and the urgency required in treatment.

The other options describe conditions related to the heart or general blood flow but do not specifically address the essential characteristic of a stroke, which is the impact on the brain’s blood supply.