Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. In this condition, the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients due to a blockage in blood flow. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Signs of a stroke can range from mild weakness to paralysis or numbness on one side of the face or body.
Warning Signs of Stroke
Seek immediate help or call 911 if you or someone has the following signs:
- Severe headache
- Sudden weakness
- Trouble seeing
- Trouble speaking
- Understanding speech
Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room. Use the FAST Test to see warning signs.
Face- See if the other side of the face drops.
Arms- Raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?
Speech– Ask the patient anything to check for slurred speech.
Time- If any of the warning signs are visible. Call for immediate medical help.
What are the Risk Factors of Stroke?
Many people think that strokes only happen to older people, but stroke can strike anyone, at any time. Here are the typical risk factors of stroke:
- Age. The arteries naturally become narrower and harder as people get older. They are also more likely to become clogged with fatty material, known as atherosclerosis.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke. Ensure to have proper diagnosis and medications if you have hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These conditions are the main risk factors for stroke.
- Lifestyle factors. The way we live has a big impact on our risk of stroke. When you smoke, drink too much alcohol, and are obese, your blood vessels can be damaged, resulting in higher blood pressure and clotting.
- Family history. If a parent or relative has had a stroke, your risk is likely to be higher. Speak to your doctor if you have close relatives with stroke or heart attack, as some kinds of high cholesterol can run in families.
- Risk factors for women. Pregnant women and women who use a combined contraceptive pill are at greater risk. If you need to take blood-thinning medication, this can sometimes cause very heavy periods.
- Migraine. There is a small probability that links migraine and stroke. Watch out for migraine with aura because it increases your risk of stroke.
Obesity and Its Risk Factor for Stroke Attack
Strokes are associated with several distinct mechanisms, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. Eventually, these conditions may lead to atherosclerosis and thromboembolism, resulting in occlusion or rupture of an arterial vessel. In short, obesity doubles your chances of having a stroke because it links to several life-threatening diseases.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adding a proper diet to your routine can reverse the possibility of a stroke attack in the future. You can follow the HCG diet protocol to lose weight and reduce your risk of stroke. Consult with your doctor before participating in any treatment routine or diet regimen. The HCG diet is a combination approach of daily HCG shots and 500 calorie intake. It produces rapid fat loss results and improves your overall health.
