Story at-a-glance Ischemic strokes block blood flow to brain cells, causing damage through three distinct cell death mechanisms, with iron overload playing a key role Excess iron accumulation during strokes accelerates cell death, functioning like "gasoline on a fire" and worsening brain damage significantly New research shows targeting iron-related cell death could lead to better stroke treatments that protect more brain cells from damage A simple blood test called serum ferritin measures your iron stores. Keeping levels below 100 ng/mL, ideally between 20 and 40 ng/mL, helps protect your brain Regular blood donation (two to four times yearly) is an effective strategy to manage iron levels and reduce stroke risk and severity