Stroke is the third cause of mortality in Poles after heart attacks and neoplasms. What makes men get stroke more often than women? What to do to reduce the risk of its occurrence? What are the most common causes of stroke?

A stroke can really happen to anyone. There are certain factors that accelerate the development of the disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking.

Contents:

    1. Causes: blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease
    2. Stroke - what is it?
    3. How to prevent a stroke?

Even knowing allcauses of strokeit is difficult to judge the chances of avoiding it. However, it is possible to estimate the level of risk and take preventive measures. Medical statistics show that most strokes are caused by neglecting high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor. If you have a blood pressure greater than 140/90 mm Hg, you are six times more likely to suffer a stroke than a person with normal pressure.

Causes: blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease

The risk of stroke increases two to three times in men with diabetes or heart disease. Smokers are also at high risk. Smoking cigarettes damages the walls of blood vessels, increases blood clotting and constricts the vessels.

The more you smoke, the more you increase your risk of disease, but you also lower the age at which it can develop. Hypertensive addicts are the most at risk, as they are 5 times more likely to have a stroke than normal pressure smokers and 20 times more likely than normal pressure nonsmokers.

Stroke - what is it?

A stroke can strike any of us. However, the risk of stroke increases when:

  • you are over 40.
  • family history of strokes
  • you are already suffering from stroke or ischemia
  • you suffer from cardiac arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart shape)
  • have diabetes, migraine
  • you have increased blood clotting
  • you have elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood
  • you have high blood pressure (especially with emergenciesjumps up)
  • you have increased blood viscosity (e.g. in case of dehydration)
  • drug abuse (e.g. steroids and anabolics, amphetamines, cocaine)
  • you are taking oral contraceptives
  • you smoke cigarettes
  • you drink alcohol
  • your heart valves are not working properly
  • you have inflammation of blood vessels (a clot detached from varicose veins can block a cerebral vessel) or aneurysms of the cerebral arteries, i.e. congenital dilatation of arteries with a weakened wall that can burst with exercise
  • you are overweight or obese
  • you lead a sedentary lifestyle
Important

Two faces of stroke

The cause of a stroke is circulatory problems in the brain. In 80 percent. In cases of stroke, it is caused by ischemia, which is a stoppage of the blood supply to the brain. It's an ischemic stroke. It occurs when a blood clot or plaque clogs the inside of the vessel that carries blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs less frequently (20% of cases). It involves blood pouring from damaged blood vessels directly into the brain or into the space between the brain and the skull. Blood outside of the vessels destroys the tissues with which it comes into contact.

How to prevent a stroke?

Although not every stroke is avoidable, a lot can be done to reduce the risk of this serious disease. Where to start? From lowering blood pressure and quitting smoking. A daily amount of exercise (a moderate walk may also be necessary) and adequate nutrition, e.g. limiting s alt consumption to 5 g per day (flat teaspoon).

WHO (World He alth Organization) experts estimate that reducing your s alt intake can prevent one in five cases of stroke. Diet is also important in preventing stroke. Cruciferous vegetables are especially recommended - cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, because they contain significant amounts of antioxidants and vitamins.

For the same reasons, it is worth introducing fruit and vegetables with an intense color - black currants, oranges, green and red peppers to the menu. It really pays off, as one additional serving of vegetables and fruits per day can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 6%.

This will be useful to you

Do you know how much you are allowed to drink?

A small amount of alcohol reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, an excess - more than 3 units in one day - harms the body. How much do you drink? Examine your conscience by converting the units of alcohol you drink. 1 unit=approx. 8 g of pure alcohol.

  • 1 unit=a glass (50 ml) of Sherry
  • 2 units=pint(0.5 liters) of beer
  • 1 unit=a glass (125 ml) of wine
  • 1 unit=a glass (25 ml) of vodka

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Category:

Cardiology