A stroke is a serious medical emergency when blood flowing to a part of the brain stops. It can lead to the death of brain cells in minutes, also causing damage to the heart.
Strokes are classified into two groups with varied symptoms. An ischemic stroke is the most common type. It is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain, leading to increased blood pressure. The haemorrhagic stroke is caused by rupturing of a blood vessel, accompanied by increase in blood pressure and bleeding in the brain.
There is a difference between a heart attack and a stroke. Although their symptoms and effects can be similar, these are different medical problems even though their symptoms and effects appear similar. Both are vascular events, involving mainly the arteries, developing an increase in blood pressure, and capable of causing death or disability.
Heart attacks are usually the result of a coronary artery disease. In these, the arteries that supply blood to the heart are choked with fat deposits, leading to narrowing of the arteries. This causes atherosclerosis and blood pressure issues. At times, pieces of plaque can break free and form blood clots that block blood flow to the heart. This causes the blood pressure to rise, and the heart muscles cannot receive proper nutrients and oxygen, resulting in damage or death of the heart, leading to a heart attack.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, depriving an area of blood, and there is an increase in blood pressure. It is often confused with a heart attack due to the similar visible symptoms.
Symptoms
The following symptoms should be carefully observed to prevent any increased risks:
- Trouble in walking
- Trouble in speaking and understanding
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs is common. These symptoms are dangerous and may cause lifelong paralysis if preventive therapies are not adopted immediately.
- Trouble in vision is among major symptoms.
- Headache, which may be accompanied with symptoms of vomiting and dizziness
- Increase in blood pressure, with the blood pressure also likely to fluctuate considerably
In case of a stroke, patients should be carefully monitored for the following symptoms, with the doctor being immediately summoned to prevent risk to life.
- The face may show a drooping towards one side when smiling.
- The arms may show a sideways drift when the patient is asked to raise both arms.
- The speech may be slurred when a patient is asked to repeat a simple phrase.
- The blood pressure may be high or there may be a fluctuation in the blood pressure.
Tips for Prevention
One can prevent a stroke by following these points:
- High cholesterol and fat levels in the diet increase the chance of a stroke. Cholesterol collects in the arteries and makes blood stick to the deposits of cholesterol in the arteries, thus increasing the risk of clotting. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent strokes.
- Being overweight increases the risk of strokes. It is necessary to reduce your weight and keep it in control.
- Exercise helps in making the heart stronger and helps reduce blood pressure. A stronger heart exerts less effort in pumping blood around the body, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
- Nicotine and carbon monoxide damage the cardiovascular system and thus increase the risk to the heart and cause strokes. Researchers find that smoking a cigarette pack per day greatly increases the risk of heart ailments and stroke.
- Reduce or restrict the consumption of alcohol. Limit alcohol consumption. Restrict yourself to less than two drinks per day.
- Controlling diabetes can prevent strokes.
With appropriate knowledge and healthcare, you can prevent the fear and risk of a stroke.
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