Stroke is a medical emergency in which blood flow to the brain suddenly stops. It is one of the most most common neurological conditions that can lead to long-term disability. It is a leading cause of death among Indians. Studies show India accounts for 60% of stroke patients worldwide.
The recent survey conducted by the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that 25% deaths in the age group of 25-69 years is the cause of stroke
How does stroke occur?
The stroke occurs when the blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This leads to leaking of blood into the brain tissue thus damaging the brain cells.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include-
- Feeling of numbness or weakness in one part of the body
- Difficulty in seeing
- Loss of balance while walking
- Trouble in speaking
The patient can also have a stroke and may not show any symptoms other than not being able to swallow.
The risk factors of stroke?
The most common risk factors include-
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
- High consumption of fried food items
- Lack of fruits and vegetables in diet
The recent studies have shown that people who work for more than 50 hours a week have 30% more chances of suffering from a stroke.
How can you prevent stroke?
The chances of getting a stroke can be lowered by following a healthy lifestyle. It is imperative to exercise regularly and eat fiber-rich food to avoid the chances of getting a stroke. One can prevent stroke by-
- Quitting smoking- First-hand smoking and second-hand exposure to smoke increases the chances of a stroke. Quitting smoking and living in smoke-free environment dramatically reduces the chances of developing a stroke.
- Control blood pressure- It is important to maintain the BP and check it on regular intervals as increased BP can cause wear-and-tear of the vessels, thus increasing the chances of stroke
- Monitor cholesterol- The presence of high bad cholesterol in the body puts one at a higher risk of a stroke. It can be decreased by making necessary changes in the diet and in case of family history, by taking medication prescribed by the doctor.
- Reduce eating foods high in calories– High calorie food can lead to obesity, which puts one at risk of stroke. Reduce sugar and fat content in the diet.
- Regular medical check-up- As one steps into 40s and 50s, it is important to go for regular health checkups.
At NH, we advice you to live a stress-free life, eat healthy and exercise daily to avoid the chances of developing a stroke.