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Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and physical disabilities in older men and women. The older a person is, the more susceptible the person is to stroke.
Reports say that men and women at age 55 and above are at a risk of stroke. They also point to the fact that men have more strokes, but women have deadlier strokes.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissues of oxygen and nutrients. When that happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Symptoms of stroke
It is important to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of stroke. Early detection followed by immediate treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage.
The most common symptoms of stroke are:
1.Trouble with speaking and understanding what others are saying.
2. Weakness or numbness of the face, arm and leg. This often happens to just one side of the body.
3. Loss of vision or dimming.
4. A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
5. Loss of balance or unstable walking.
Types of stroke
There are two types of strokes – Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic stroke.
1.Ischemic stroke
According to statistics, about 80 percent of strokes are ischemi. Ischemic strokes occur when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke
It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissues, causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic strokes are high blood pressure.
Some people have what is called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). TIA is also called “mini stroke” and is due to a temporary blockage. It doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, but it raises a person’s odds of having a full-scale stroke.
Causes of stroke
1.High blood pressure( Hypertension)
2. Tobacco
3. Heart disease
4. Diabetes
5. Over weight
6. Not exercising
7. Age
8. Gene/Family
How to Prevent stroke
Many stroke prevention strategies are the same as strategies to prevent heart diseases. In general, healthy lifestyle recommendations include:
1.Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
2. Reduce the amount of cholesterol in diet
3.Quit tobacco
4.Control diabetes
5. Maintain a healthy weight
6.Eat more fruits and vegetables
7.Exercise regularly
8.Avoid illegal drugs