subject: Know the facts about stroke [print this page] Know the facts about stroke Know the facts about stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without the continuous flow of blood and oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. This makes the part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain not function properly.
There are three types of stroke, namely an ischemic strokes, which when a blood vessel going to the brain becomes blocked, and the blood can't get where it's supposed to be. This type of stroke is the most common. A blood clot (a clump of blood that sticks together) is usually the main cause for an ischemic stroke. It can also happen when arteries become narrow and clogged with plaque. (Plaque is a mix of cholesterol and other fatty stuff that sticks to the walls of blood vessels). The second type of stroke is a haemorrhage, this occurs when a weak or thin blood vessel bursts and the blood leaks, killing brain cells and affecting how the brain works. High blood pressure can weaken the walls of vessels and cause a hemorrhagic stroke much more likely. The third type of stroke is called the subarachnoid haemorrhage, this occurs when a blood vessel just outside the brain bursts causing it to leak out. The area of the skull surrounding the brain fills with blood and that is why people experiencing subarachnoid haemorrhage may feel a sudden severe headache, neck pain, nausea or vomiting.
There are also "mini strokes" called transient ischemic attacks (TIA'S). These are not full blown strokes because the blood flow is only cut off for a short amount of time and they don't cause the same kind of damage right away, however, they are a warning sign that something is wrong and that a real stroke may be on its way.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, birth control use or other hormone therapies are all risk factors of stroke. Within a few minutes of having a stroke, brain cells begin to die and symptoms can become present. It is important to recognize symptoms, as prompt treatment is crucial to recovery. Common stroke symptoms includes: dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance and coordination numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body,
blured blackened double vision or sudden severe headache.
Although the effects of a stroke can be very devastating, learning how to prevent stroke is actually very simple. Learn how to measure and control your blood pressure, find out if you have arterial fibrillation, do not smoke, lower your cholesterol, sodium and fat intake, you have to follow a healthy diet, drink alcohol only in moderation, managing your diabetes and exercising regularly, managing your stress levels and not using drugs.
In conclusion, it does not matter what age or gender you are when it comes to being at risk for a stroke. There is a perception that only old people have strokes, but the reality is that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time. It is therefore very important to make sure that you are aware of the risk factors and warning signs of a stroke.
