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According to the World Health Organization, every year, stroke affects around 15 million people worldwide. So you can understand how concerning this critical health issue is. Stroke occurs due to disruption of blood supply to the brain, resulting in the sudden loss of brain function. Its consequences can be life-altering. Sometimes, it may even lead to death. This is why it is crucial to understand the risk factors and symptoms associated with stroke. It will help you take precautions and prompt medical interventions. This blog will help you take those proactive steps.
Synopsis
What Are the Risk Factors for Stroke?
You must analyse the risk factors associated with stroke properly. The identification of stroke causes will push you to seek guidance from an expert medical specialist early.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. You need to manage and control this condition for stroke prevention.
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Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains dangerous chemicals. It can damage your blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking reduces this risk.
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Diabetes: Diabetes increases the likelihood of stroke. This is particularly true if your blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
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High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. This, in turn, increases the risk of stroke. You can control your cholesterol through lifestyle modifications and medications.
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Age: The risk of stroke increases with age. Its likelihood rises significantly in individuals over 55.
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Gender: Women have a much higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. You are more susceptible if you are under pregnancy and birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
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Family History: Individuals with a family history of stroke are at a higher risk. Genetic factors and shared lifestyle habits may make you more vulnerable.
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Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Having had a previous stroke or transient ischemic attack increases the risk of a subsequent stroke.
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Heart Disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, or a history of heart attack can raise the risk of stroke.
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Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity is associated with various cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity and hypertension.
Common Symptoms of Stroke
While staying aware of the risk factors, it is also crucial to know the warning signs of a stroke. It will help you identify the discomfort quickly and seek medical assistance.
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Sudden Numbness or Weakness: It is especially felt on one side of the face, arm, or leg. This may also leave a long-lasting impact on that particular side of the body.
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Confusion: If there is sudden difficulty in understanding or speaking, it may be a symptom of a stroke. One may experience slurred speech or be unable to articulate words.
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Loss of Coordination: A stroke may show the symptoms of sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
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Severe Headache: Suddenly experiencing a severe headache may be indicative of a stroke. Sufferers have often described this situation as the worst headache of their lives. Such triggers are more common in hemorrhagic strokes.
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Vision Problems: If an individual’s vision suddenly gets blurred or blackened or sees double, that may be a warning sign.
How to Recognise Stroke Symptoms?
Expert neurology consultants often take the FAST approach to detect stroke symptoms and diagnose the issue. It goes something like this:
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F - Face Drooping: The doctor may ask the patient to smile. It analyses if one side of their face droops.
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A - Arm Weakness: The patient may be asked to raise both arms. If one of their arms drifts downward, it may indicate a symptom of a stroke.
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S - Speech Difficulty: Healthcare professionals often ask the individual to repeat a simple sentence. It can be a warning sign if they notice slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
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T - Time to Call Emergency Services: If you observe any of these signs, it's crucial to call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence in the treatment of stroke.
You, too, can take this approach to detect if someone in front of you is having a stroke. Remember to be proactive and take action in time.
Consult our neurology hospital in Bangalore if you or your loved one needs stroke treatment.
Emergency Treatment for Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. To avoid dire consequences, prompt treatment is essential.
However, different kinds of strokes require different treatment approaches.
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Ischemic Strokes: The most effective treatment for this type is a clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
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Hemorrhagic Strokes: Being the more severe kind, it may require surgical intervention.
Timely intervention can minimise damage and improve outcomes. Keep your presence in mind and try not to panic in this condition. Call emergency services immediately if you see someone having a stroke.
Preventive Measures for Stroke
There are a few precautionary methods that can protect you from experiencing a stroke.
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Manage and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
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Quit smoking.
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Quit or limit alcohol consumption.
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Follow a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your food habit.
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Be physically active.
The key precaution for stroke prevention is to stay aware of and manage the risk factors. If you have a family history of stroke, you need to be more cautious.
Timing is the most critical factor when it comes to strokes. The sooner the medical intervention, the better the result.
To receive the best treatment, visit Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal, to consult the top neurology specialist in Bangalore.
FAQ's
Although strokes can occur at any age, individuals over 55 years of age are more at risk. A family history of stroke or being a descendant of African, Hispanic, or Asian/Pacific Islander may also make one more susceptible to suffering from a stroke.
Yes, heart issues may result in clotting the blood, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. So, regular check-ups are essential to be safe.
If someone exhibits the symptoms of a stroke, take the FAST approach and be sure. Immediately call the emergency services to minimise the impact of strokes.
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