Stroke- A Medical Emergency which can be Prevented by Leading a Healthy Lifestyle
Image credit: Blausen Medical Communications, Inc.
By neucrad Health News Desk November 4, 2019
Stroke and heart ailments are two leading causes of deaths among adults in India. From 1990 to 2016, the country has witnessed about 50 per cent rise in the number of stroke and cardiac patients. In 2016, these two ailments were responsible for approximately 28.1 per cent deaths in India. The situation is equally depressing in other countries of the world. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that in the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death. It leads to massive disability and hospitalisation in many adults. Every year approximately 795000 individuals suffer from this medical complication in America. Medical professionals across the globe are advising people to lead a healthy lifestyle to keep strokes at bay.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke usually occurs when a patient either experience rupturing or bleeding of blood vessels in the brain, or there is a massive blockage in the blood capillaries supplying food and oxygen to the brain. Inadequate oxygen and food supply damage the crucial brain cells, and they start dying within minutes. It is a medical emergency; prompt professional intervention can arrest the complications caused by a stroke.
What are the symptoms of Strokes?
It is essential to diagnose the early signs of a stroke. It helps in saving vital lives.
- Difficulty in speaking and understanding other’s words. Patients can also experience confusion and repeat the same phrase again and again. The speech will appear slurred or strange to the listener.
- Sudden numbness on the face, arms, or legs. It may occur on one or both sides of the body. You may ask the individual to raise both his hands above the head. If one of them falls abruptly, it is better to seek immediate medical attention.
- Blurred vision in one or both eyes.
- Severe headache accompanied by dizziness and vomiting.
- Loss of balance and difficulty in walking.
- Difficulty in smiling, a portion of the mouth may droop suddenly.
What are the Preventive Strategies for Stroke?
Though stroke is a fatal condition, leading a healthy lifestyle can prevent its occurrence in many cases. Have a look at some of the preventive measures for this medical emergency.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of stroke considerably both among the first-hand and passive smokers. It is mainly because the chemicals present in cigarettes can damage the blood capillaries in the heart. Moreover, the nicotine present in cigarettes can increase blood pressure and acts as a trigger for the stoke.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Too much alcohol can also enhance the chances of developing a stroke. It increases the triglyceride level and can lead to atherosclerosis. However, drinking in moderation (only one or two drinks per day) can reduce the chances of ischemic stroke.
Monitoring High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure or hypertension, then monitor it regularly. Maintaining blood pressure within the standard range prevents the chances of subsequent stroke. Limiting alcohol and sodium in diet helps in decreasing the blood pressure.
Managing Diabetes
Diabetics are prone to developing stroke if their blood sugar is above the standard range. Studies have revealed that uncontrolled sugar level increases the risk of stroke by 2-4 times. It leads to fat depositions inside the arteries and may even cause clots in the crucial vessels supplying blood to the brain.
Eat Healthy Food and Exercise Daily
Include enough fresh fruits, fibrous vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in your diet. Limit the consumption of junk food items like deep-fries, pizza, burger, chocolates, and ice-creams. Avoid food rich in salt, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol to keep stroke at bay. Workout for at least 30 minutes five times a week. It is better to practice aerobics and cardio exercise to prevent stroke. It also maintains your weight within the standard range.
This was a brief analysis of the symptoms and preventive measures of stroke. Remain cautious and practise a healthy lifestyle to prevent this medical emergency.
