What is the primary risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage?

Uncontrolled hypertension is considered the primary risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage because it leads to the deterioration of small blood vessels within the brain. Over time, consistent high blood pressure can cause these vessels to weaken and become more prone to rupture. This rupture results in bleeding within the brain tissue, leading to intracerebral hemorrhage.

In conjunction with hypertension, other factors might contribute to the overall risk for stroke, but none have the same direct correlation as uncontrolled hypertension. For instance, diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of vascular disease and could indirectly contribute to the risk of stroke, but it is not the leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Similarly, high cholesterol levels are more often associated with ischemic strokes rather than hemorrhagic events. Smoking, while detrimental to overall health and vascular integrity, does not have the same specific impact on intracerebral hemorrhage as hypertension does.

Therefore, the emphasis on uncontrolled hypertension as the primary risk factor underscores its direct influence on vascular health and the likelihood of hemorrhagic events occurring in the brain.