What You Should Know About Strokes

A stroke is a severe medical emergency due to the fact that the blood supply to the brain is significantly reduced or even completely interrupted. Another reason for which this event should be regarded as extremely worrying is the fact that when the brain cells are deprived from nutrients and oxygen, they will dye very fast.

Serious stroke facts:

• Almost 795,000 people from the US suffer from this condition every year. Every 4 seconds, someone has a stroke and, every 4 minutes, someone within the US borders will die from it.
• Females are the most affected by strokes, as approximately 60% of them end up dying. In the case of men, only 40% will die.
• It can happen anytime, regardless of age. In one quarter of all the cases, it will take place under 65.
• Strokes can recur. It is actually a common thing, as almost 25% of the people who suffered a stroke are likely to get another one in the following 5 years.
• Though it affects the brain, it also has negative effects on other parts of the body as well. Paralysis, hemiparesis or the weakness on one side of the body are only a few of the consequences of a stroke.
• There are some stroke risk factors such as: gender, age, race – the African-Americans are the most exposed to it – TIA and a prior heart attack. TIA is a mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) and it has the same symptoms, but does not make any damage that would last.

How to prevent it:

• Quit smoking – Smoking can put you to several risks. It can cause your blood to thicken and you could develop a blood clot, which can cut the supply of the blood to the brain. Not to mention that it favorites the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol – It is recommended to drink a glass of wine every day, but if you go overboard, you might get a stroke along with many other health problems.
• Exercise – 3 hours a week of exercise can make a great difference in your health. Even if you walk, you will get to reduce the blood pressure and you will lower the risk of getting a stroke.
• Take baby aspirin – If you are not allergic to it and the doctor recommends you to take it, an aspirin a day will thin your blood and will prevent any clot from forming.
• Treat diabetes – A high level of sugar in your blood will harm the arteries, thus forming blood clots. If you are a diabetic, watch what you are eating, exercise regularly and monitor the level of the sugar from your blood.
• Be careful what you eat – Reduce the consumption of sodium, as it will keep the blood pressure high. Do the same for the saturated fats by choosing to eat lean meat. Watch your diet and make sure you eat vegetables, grains and fruits every day.