Vascular biology and stroke.

The pathophysiology of stroke is complex and involves an abnormal interaction between vessel wall and platelets. Of late many genetic and environmental factors impinging on the vessel wall have been identified which may determine the susceptibility of an individual to stroke. These include elevated homocysteine levels, chronic chalymydial and periodontal infection, plaque characteristics and genetic susceptibility. Intervention with HMG CO enzyme A reductase inhibitors, Angiotensin Enzyme Inhibitors and vitamins have been shown to offer protection.