Stroke – Know the risk factors and warning signs

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 4 mins read

A decrease in blood supply to the brain can cause a stroke. A stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Reducing brain damage and other complications is possible by taking prompt action. Nearly 800,000 suffer from strokes each year. This is approximately one stroke every 40 seconds.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is when blood supply to the brain is disrupted or reduced by a blockage or bleeding in the blood vessels. This causes brain cells to stop receiving enough nutrients and oxygen, leading to stroke.

Cerebrovascular disease is stroke. It affects blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain. Damage to the brain may occur if it doesn't get enough oxygen. This is a severe medical emergency. While most strokes can be treated, some may cause disability or even death.

A stroke is when a blood vessel in the head ruptures or bleeds. A stroke is caused by blood and oxygen not reaching the brain's tissues due to rupture or blockage.

There are three types of strokes.

• A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by a blood vessel burst or a leaking blood vessel seeping into the brain.
• An ischemic stroke is a blockage in an artery due to a clot, plaque, or other cause of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke symptoms and complications can be more severe than those of TIA or may even become permanent.
• Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), a blood clot, is a condition in which the blood clot reverses itself.

Risk factors for stroke

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of suffering from a stroke; these risk factors include:

Inactivity

Stroke can also be increased by inactivity or a lack thereof. Regular exercise can have many health benefits. According to the CDC, adults should exercise for at least 2.5 hours weekly. This could be as simple as a quick walk once a week.

Diet

Unbalanced diets can increase stroke risk. This diet is very high in:

• Saturated fats
• Salt
• Cholesterol
• Trans fats

Tobacco use

The use of Tobacco in any form raises the risk of stroke. It can also damage blood vessels. The use of nicotine can also increase blood pressure.

Heavy alcohol use

Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke. Drink in moderation if you are a drinker. This means that women should have no more than one and men shouldn't have more than two drinks per day. High levels of alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure.

This can increase triglyceride levels which can lead to atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup in the blood vessels can cause narrowing.

Your health history

Some medical conditions can increase stroke risk. These conditions include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• A previous stroke or TIA
• Heart diseases, such as coronary heart disease, can be caused by heart conditions.
• Excessive weight
• An irregular heartbeat and enlarged heart chambers
• heart valve defects
• Diabetes
• Sickle cell disease
• patent foramen ovale (PFO)
• blood clotting disorder

Personal background

You're unable to control some stroke risk factors, such as:

• According to the CDC, strokes can happen to both men and women, but they are more common in women than men of all ages.
• Family history. Some families are more at risk for stroke due to genetic health factors such as high blood pressure.
• Ethnicity and race. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and African Americans are more likely than any other racial group to suffer from strokes.
• A stroke is more common in older people.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about your stroke risk factors.

Warning Signs

Pay attention to when symptoms start if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from a stroke. The best treatment options for strokes are administered soon after the symptoms begin.

Some symptoms and warning signs of stroke:

• Weakness or paralysis. Paralysis, weakness, or sudden numbness in one side of the body, such as the arm, leg, or face, can occur. This can often only affect one side of your body. You can raise both arms above your head simultaneously.
  One arm may fall, and you could be suffering from a stroke. You may also notice drooping of one side when you smile.
• Trouble understanding and speaking the language of others. It is possible to experience confusion, slur speech, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. One or both of your eyes may suddenly become blurred or blackened. Or you might see it twice.
• You may have trouble walking. It is possible to fall or lose your balance. It is possible to feel dizzy or lose coordination.
• A severe, sudden headache that is accompanied by dizziness, vomiting, or altered consciousness may indicate you are having a stroke.

Other people might also experience:

• Depression
• Problems with bladder control or bowel control
• They have difficulty controlling their emotions or expressing them
• Paralysis or weakness of one or both legs

How quickly someone is treated will determine the outcome. They are less likely to suffer permanent brain damage or even death if they receive prompt care.

When should you see your doctor?

No matter what type of stroke, it is crucial to seek emergency care immediately. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), for every minute the brain is without blood, approximately 2,000,000 brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen or nutrients. The bodily functions controlled by the brain cells also suffer when they die. This includes speech and walking functions.

Conclusion

It is vital to seek immediate medical attention if you believe you might be suffering from stroke symptoms.

Clot-busting medication cannot be given within the first hour after stroke symptoms appear. Early treatment can reduce the risk of disability and long-term complications.

Although it is impossible to prevent strokes completely, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances. You can reduce your risk of stroke by taking medication.

Your doctor will assess your risk of stroke and work with you to develop a strategy for prevention. This could include lifestyle changes or medical intervention.

Also, Read: What to do in case of a sudden brain stroke?