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Stroke is a common cause of death - a common condition that is still often misunderstood. Is a stroke a heart problem? What should I know about a stroke? What myths revolve around stroke? We dispel misconceptions about stroke.
The three main types of stroke
The first and the most common, accounting for 87% of cases are ischemic stroke. It occurs when the blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen to the brain is blocked.
The second is a hemorrhagic stroke caused by an artery in the brain rupture, which in turn damages surrounding tissue.
The third type of stroke is a transient ischemic attack, which is also known as "mini stroke". This type of stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, usually for no more than 5 minutes.
Common Myths About Stroke
1. A stroke is a heart problem
Some people think that stroke is a heart problem, but it's not true. While the risk of stroke is related to cardiovascular risk factors, strokes happen in the brain and not in the heart. A stroke occurs when arteries or veins in the brain are blocked or ruptured.
Many people confuse a stroke with a heart attack, which in turn results from blockage of blood flow to the heart.
2. Stroke cannot be prevented
It's a myth. The most common risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, head or neck injuries, and heart rhythm disturbances. Many of them can be avoided, for example by changing the lifestyle. Regular exercise and a he althy diet can significantly help minimize these factors.
Excessive alcohol consumption and stress also lead to stroke. Reducing these factors can also reduce your risk of stroke.
3. Stroke is not genetically dependent
Monogenic disorders such as sickle cell anemia increases the risk of stroke. Genetic factors, including a higher risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors, may also indirectly influence the risk of its occurrence.
Since family members typically live in the same environment and lifestyle, risk factors may increase the risk of stroke, especially when combined with those associated withgenetic.
4. Stroke symptoms are hard to recognize
On the contrary. The symptoms of a stroke are quite distinctive. It is worth knowing them so that you can react quickly and appropriately in the event of a stroke. Here they are:
- drooping face - when one side of the face becomes numb and causes an uneven "smile"
- weakening of the arm, when one arm becomes weak or goes numb and slowly goes down when lifted
- speech difficulties or slurred speech
Other symptoms of a stroke include:
- numbness or weakness of: face, arm, leg, or one side of the body
- visual disturbance
- difficulty moving due to dizziness and loss of balance
- severe headaches
If these symptoms occur, get help immediately.
5. Stroke cannot be treated
There is a misconception that strokes are irreversible and cannot be treated. Emergency treatment of a stroke with the use of a drug that "breaks" the formed clot, i.e. A thrombectomy or surgery can reverse the symptoms of a stroke, especially if these steps are taken up to two hours after the symptoms start.
The longer the symptoms last, the less likely it is to end positively. That's why it's so important to call an ambulance at the beginning of your stroke symptoms.
6. Stroke only affects the elderly
That's not true. Age is a significant risk factor for stroke, but it can occur in any age group. Many strokes in younger patients are the result of smoking, stress, and an unhygienic lifestyle.
7. Every stroke shows visible symptoms
Not all strokes are symptomatic. Some studies suggest that strokes without symptoms are much more common than strokes with symptoms.
So-called "silent strokes" can be seen on MRI scans as white spots in scar tissue when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptured.
Although asymptomatic, they should be treated similarly to symptomatic strokes. Quiet strokes put people at risk of symptomatic stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia.