Stroke is one of the leading causes of death among adults. An annual statistical report by the CDC states that 795,000 people in the United States suffer from stroke every year, resulting in stroke-related deaths every 4 minutes. But what is a stroke? What are the causes of its occurrence? Can it be prevented?
Stroke happens when there is a rupture or blockage in the blood vessels of your brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the leakage or rupture of blood vessels causes damage to the brain, while Ischemic Stroke is the blockage of the blood vessels, obstructing blood and oxygen flow.
When immediate treatment is not given after a stroke, it leads to permanent disability and sudden death.
Individuals with comorbidities, including those with hypertension and diabetes, are highly susceptible to stroke.
For hypertensive patients, high blood pressure puts too much strain on your blood vessels, resulting in narrowing, rupture, or leakage.
For diabetic patients, insufficient production of insulin in the body causes blood sugar levels to increase and impairs the blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels tend to decrease their elasticity, become narrow, and hamper the normal blood flow in the body. Diabetic patients can also have excess fat deposit build-up that blocks the passageways of the blood, causes the blood to clot, and decreases the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain.
One of the major causes of a sudden stroke attack is an increase in blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol.
An unbalanced diet or eating too many fatty foods increases your risk of getting a stroke due to the build-up of excess fats in your blood vessels. It hinders the normal blood flow in the brain and causes the blood to clot. It is important to get yourself checked and tested to monitor the cholesterol and glucose levels in your body.
Proper diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of experiencing stroke.
Stroke is considered to be a silent killer and can happen at any time of the day. Prevention requires knowing your current health condition. Aside from maintaining a proper diet and healthy lifestyle, early detection is essential in preventing and managing symptoms of stroke. Never delay your health care needs. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (813) 462-2595.
