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Strokes! – What Causes It & How To Avoid It?

By Dhwani Jerajani +2 more

affected-area

A stroke is like a heart attack to the brain. During a stroke, the brain does not receive adequate blood supply and oxygen to function correctly. The brain cells die without sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing severe brain damage. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, loss of speech, hearing, taste, vision or movements crops up as a consequence due to various causes of stroke. This condition requires medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation.

Disability is a common and expected outcome after a stroke and, in people aged 75–80 years, functional decline is a very common outcome, which can be associated with other comorbidities. Early intervention is very critical to prevent long-term complications of delayed treatment.


Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

  A stroke might occur due to a variety of reasons, but here are the three main causes of stroke:

  1. Blood Clots:

Blood clots are formed in the arteries of the brain or are formed in the blood vessels. These then break off and travel where they might enter the narrow arteries of the brain. Here, they restrict the blood flow to the part of the brain that is supplying blood by that artery leading to a stroke. This leads to the loss of function of the body part controlled by the brain region.

People with high blood pressure must motinor and record their blood pressure reading routinely. At least once a week even if the readings are maintained in healthy range. It is the unnoticed shoot in blood pressure that leads to strokes in most of the patients with hypertension.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
  1. High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure or hypertension may cause the blood vessels to rupture or tear in the brain. The spilt blood damages the adjacent brain cells leading to cell death and loss of functions of the corresponding body parts.

Modifiable risk factors include physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, diet and nutrition, hypertension (most important and well-documented), obesity, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, modifications in diet and exercise, smoking cessation, pharmacotherapy for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and at-risk individuals with AF are essential to acute stroke prevention.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: Apple Diet: Unpacking the Potential Health Benefits and Risks Based on Studies

  1. Other Factors:

Other factors such as a traumatic brain or neck injury, certain medications and weakness in the internal walls of our arteries and veins also increase the risk of stroke.

The best way to avoid stroke is to control the formation of unhealthy cholesterol and exercise regularly to keep ourselves fit and healthy. All means of maintaining blood pressure must be undertaken.

  • Diet is one of the most critical factors to keep us healthy and fit. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every single day and avoid fried and processed food as much as possible. Salt restriction is essential.
  • Exercise regularly to keep your body fit and healthy. Exercise not only helps in the long run to lower blood pressure levels but also reduces stress, which in turn reduces the risks of having a stroke. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.  
  • Smoking dramatically increases the risks of blood clot formation. Moreover, smoking also increases the plaque buildup in our arteries, which is the underlying cause of a stroke. Give up smoking for good. Read more  about  the health effects of smoking.
  • Alcohol intake increases blood pressure that leads to a stroke. Avoid alcohol intake or drink in moderation no more than twice a week.

Stroke is a preventable condition that can be avoided by following these lifestyle modifications. Lets spread awareness about the causes of stroke and promote healthy living.

Also Read: Cherry Tomatoes: Unveiling the Nutritional Benefits and Culinary Uses

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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