These 5 things shrink the nerves of the brain, brain attack can come anytime
Stroke is becoming a rapidly growing problem. In common parlance, stroke is also called brain attack. Now the youth are also falling prey to it. Just as the heart does not get enough oxygen due to a blockage in the blood vessels, blockages in the veins of the brain can lead to a brain attack. The major risk factors for stroke are those that are difficult to manage. Proper awareness and knowledge is vital along with getting proactive help from a medical professional to prevent a stroke. Stroke can happen due to many reasons such as poor lifestyle, diabetes, heart problems, excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. All these factors can be taken into account and worked out to lead a healthy and safe life.
World Stroke Day is celebrated every year on 29 October. The purpose of celebrating this day is to create awareness about life-threatening stroke. Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, Consultant-Neurology at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, explains some important risk factors that increase the chances of stroke.Obesity
Being overweight puts pressure on vital organs such as the lungs and heart, which increases the risk. The inflammation caused by excess obesity can increase the risk of stroke. This can cause difficulty with blood flow and increase the risk of blockage, both of which can lead to stroke.
high blood pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it does not show symptoms. High blood pressure puts the arteries under constant stress which leads to swelling. Too much force inside the blood vessels damages and weakens the artery walls leading to scarring and stroke.
atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and increases the risk of brain damage and a serious stroke with acute long-term effects. Normally, blood flows through the heart, and is pumped out completely every time the heart beats. In AF, blood can pool inside the heart by forming a clot that can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. AF makes a person five times more likely to have a stroke. Following a diagnosis of AF, an individualized stroke risk assessment is recommended to ensure the correct treatment and advice for the patient.
family history
Having a history of stroke in the family greatly increases the chances of the next person having it. The closer the connection, the higher the potential for risk but this is not ideal. The main factor is to understand the cause of stroke in the family. Being active and aware is the key to avoiding diseases if they are caused by biological causes such as high blood pressure, or heart diseases. If the causes of stroke are lifestyle related then they will not have much effect on the next person, as they maintain a healthy routine.
Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A TIA is a mini-stroke that does not have a long-term effect but is taken as a warning as it increases the risk of stroke in the future. Temporary blockages in blood vessels and other effects of loss of vision, partial paralysis, and difficulty speaking are indicators that the person needs immediate medical attention.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.
