In today’s fast-paced life, living a healthy lifestyle is as important as earning hard money. As we age, we become more susceptible to having a stroke due to an unhealthy diet. In India, brain stroke is among the top causes of death and disability. Approximately 1.8 million individuals are thought to experience a stroke annually, with almost one happening every 40 seconds. So. We will look at the different causes of brain stroke and h in this blog, as well as ways to reduce your risk with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Table of Contents
Brief Information About The Brain Stroke!
When blood flow to the brain stops, a stroke, often known as a “brain attack,” happens. Reduced blood flow and the subsequent oxygen shortage can lead to the loss of brain cells. Strokes can be broadly classified into two groups: those brought on by an obstruction in blood flow and those brought on by internal bleeding into the brain.
About 80 percent of strokes are caused by ischemic strokes, which are caused by blockages in blood vessels in the brain or neck. This is the most common cause of strokes.
Three conditions cause these blockages: thrombosis, which is the formation of a clot within a blood vessel of the brain or neck; embolism, which is the movement of a clot from another part of the body to the brain; and stenosis, which is the severe narrowing of an artery in or leading to the brain. The second kind of stroke, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is brought on by bleeding into the brain or the areas around the brain.
How To Prevent A Brain Stroke?
These seven strategies will help you start reducing your risks now before a stroke has a chance to happen.
- Lower heart rate
If left unchecked, high blood pressure can double or even quadruple your risk of stroke. For both men and women, the most significant risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. The biggest change people can make to their vascular health is probably to monitor their blood pressure and treat it if it is elevated. Ideal blood pressure is 120/80 for both men and women.
How Can You Achieve It?
- Limit the amount of salt you eat to 1,500 mg per day or roughly half a teaspoon.
- Steer clear of foods high in cholesterol, like cheese, ice cream, and hamburgers.
- Consume four to five cups of fruits and vegetables daily, one serving of fish every two to three days, and multiple portions of whole grains and low-fat dairy products each day.
- Increase your daily physical activity to at least 30 minutes, if not more.
- If you smoke, give up.
Take blood pressure medication if necessary.
- Manage atrial fibrillation
An abnormal heartbeat called atrial fibrillation leads to the formation of blood clots in the heart. A brain stroke can be caused by clots moving to the brain. Because atrial fibrillation poses a more significant risk of stroke, it needs to be treated seriously and by a competent professional.
How Can You Achieve?
- Get an examination from your doctor if you have any Brain Stroke symptoms like breathlessness or palpitations in your heart.
- To lower your risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation, you might need to take an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner), such as one of the direct-acting anticoagulant medications. You can get guidance from your doctors during this treatment.
- Treat diabetes Well
Over time, elevated blood sugar destroys blood arteries, increasing the risk of internal clot formation. So, maintaining a blood sugar level must be your top priority.
Ways to make it happen:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep an eye on your blood sugar.
- Make use of medications, nutrition, and exercise to maintain your blood sugar levels within the suggested range.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has two distinct effects that quicken the production of clots. It thickens your blood and causes more plaque to accumulate in your arteries. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective lifestyle modifications that can help you dramatically lower your risk of stroke, along with maintaining a healthy diet and doing regular exercise.
Ways to make it happen:
- Consult your physician about the best method for you to stop smoking.
- Make use of tools to help you stop smoking, like medication, counselling, or nicotine patches or pills.
- Remain persistent. For most smokers, quitting takes multiple tries. Consider every effort as a step toward ultimately conquering the habit.
Look For Warning Signs
Your body will give you warning signs of Brain Stroke if it senses that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. In case you see any of these indicators of a stroke or “brain attack,” don’t hesitate to contact a physician straight away!
- Abrupt facial, arm, or leg numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body. Abrupt disorientation or difficulty speaking or comprehending speech
- Unforeseen vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Abrupt difficulty walking, lightheadedness, imbalance, intense headache without apparent cause
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of brain stroke and adopting proactive steps to reduce those risks are the first steps towards preventing one. Each action you take to improve your health—from controlling diabetes and hypertension to giving up smoking and leading a healthy lifestyle—lowers your risk of having a brain stroke. It’s critical to protect your brain health by having regular checkups with a trusted neurologist in Hyderabad, keeping you aware of your risk factors, and making any necessary lifestyle changes.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to brain stroke, consulting Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, a highly experienced neurologist in Hyderabad, is essential. With over 10 years of experience as a professional neurosurgeon, Dr. Sunkara provides high-quality treatment and expert care.
Anyone can have a stroke, but you can significantly lower your risk and live a longer, healthier life by being aware of your health and taking proactive measures. Because prevention is always better than cure, be proactive, maintain good health, and spread the word.
FAQs
What are the main causes of a brain stroke?
A brain stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, often due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Common causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
Can high blood pressure cause a stroke?
Yes, high blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. It can weaken arteries in the brain, leading to blockages or ruptures that result in a stroke.
Does smoking increase the risk of a stroke?
Absolutely. Smoking damages blood vessels, thickens the blood, and increases the risk of clot formation, significantly raising the chances of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
How does high cholesterol contribute to a stroke?
High cholesterol leads to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow. When a blood clot forms around the plaque, it can block an artery in the brain and cause an ischemic stroke.
Is diabetes a risk factor for strokes?
Yes, diabetes increases stroke risk as it contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, leading to blockages. Poorly managed blood sugar levels also damage blood vessels, increasing stroke susceptibility.
