Thursday, 5 July 2012

Living a healthy life style can prevent stroke

On stroke It’s a condition where blood clots or a ruptured artery or blood vessel interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain. A lack of oxygen and glucose (sugar) flow to the brain leads to the death of brain cells and brain damage, often resulting in impairment in speech, movement and memory.

 The two main types of stroke include Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes account for about 75 percent of all strokes and occurs when a blood clot or Thrombus, forms that blocks blood flow to part of the brain. If a blood clot forms somewhere in the body and wanders off to become free floating, it is called an embolus. This wandering clot may be carried through the blood stream to the brain where it causes stroke.

  Both cerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage result in lack of blood flow to the brain and build up of blood that puts too much pressure on the brain. Out come after stroke depends on where the stroke occurs and how much of the brain is affected. Smaller strokes may result in minor problems, such as weakness in the arm or leg, while larger stroke may lead to paralysis or death. Many stroke patients are left with weakness on one side of the body, difficulty in speaking, incontinence and bladder problem.

  Those at risk

Anyone can suffer from blood stroke, although many risk factors for stroke are out of control.   Several can be kept in line through proper nutrition, medical care and healthy life style. Some of the risk factors are:  over age 55,  being a male, a family history of stroke , high blood pressure,  smoking cigarettes, diabetes, obesity/overweight, a previous stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA),  high level of homocysline and amino acid in blood,  birth control use or other hormone therapy,  use of cocaine and heavy consumption of alcohol among others.

 Symptoms
 
 Within the few minutes of stroke attack, brain cells begin to die and symptom can become present. It’s important to recognize the symptoms as prompt treatment is crucial to recovery. Common signs are: sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance and coordination, speech problem, numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, blurred, blackened or double vision, sudden severe headache without cause among others.

 A possible sign that stroke is about to occur is called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). It’s a temporary interruption in blood flow to part of the brain. Symptoms of (TIA) are similar to stroke but last for a shorter time period and do not have noticeable permanent damage.

  Prevention/advice for stroke victims
 
 Most stroke victims will require rehabilitation after the event. A person’s condition is generally dependent on the area of the brain and the amount of tissue that was damaged. It is common for the rehabilitation process to include speech, occupational and physical therapy and family education.

  One way to prevent stroke is to notice a transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke that provides symptoms similar to stroke. Knowing the symptom of stroke can lead to earlier treatment and better recovery. Much of stroke prevention is based on living a healthy life style. This includes knowing and controlling blood pressure, finding out if you have arterial fibrillation, not smoking, lowering cholesterol, sodium and fat intake, following a healthy diet and moderate intake of alcohol, treating diabetes properly, exercising regularly and managing stress, taking preventive medication and cholesterol lowering drugs.

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