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WHAT IS STROKE


Hypertension : Illustration of the effects of atherosclerosis
  


WHAT IS STROKE
A stroke-cerebrovascular accident9CVA0)-is the loss of brain function all of sudden,  over seconds to minutes due to the blocked or burst blood vessel.  As a result, the affected area of the brain is unable to function because of insufficient blood supply.  It will lead to limbs, speech, visual inabilities even death when serious.
WHY A STROKE OCCURS?
1.        High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the biggest risk for stroke.  Hypertension accounts for 35-50% of stroke risk.  When you get high blood pressure, there must be extra strain on the blood vessels which will rupture more easily.  A person with untreated hypertension is four times more likely to have a stroke.
2.        High blood lipid
Besides hypertension, another important risk for stroke is high blood lipid.  If a person gets too much lipid in the bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in arteries and thus cause narrowing and blockage of the arteries.  Whenever the blockage occurs, the stroke will happen.
3.        Cigarette smoking
Smoking increases blood pressure, decrease exercise tolerance and increases the tendency for blood to clot, in turn increases the risks of blockage of arteries.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT STROKE?
A stroke can cause sensory and vision loss, problems with talking and walking, or difficulty in thinking clearly.  In many cases, the effects of stroke are irreversible.  So prevention is of utmost important.  Among all stroke occurred over 80% is preventable through the following steps;-
.  Control  your blood pressure.  Lowering high blood pressure reduces the risk for stroke.
.  Stop smoking.  Cigarette smoking is linked to increased risk for a stroke. Research indicate that the risk of stroke for people who have quit smoking for 2-5 years is lower than people who still smoke.
. Exercise regularly.  Moderate exercise makes the heart stronger and improves circulation.  It also helps control weight thus reduces the risk for stroke.
. Eat healthy diet.  Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy diet is probably the most effective way of keeping a low stroke risk,  because it scan protect you from developing high blood pressure,  diabetes,  high cholesterol,  obesity,  and more.
-           If you are diabetic, control your blood sugar level.  If left untreated diabetes can damage the blood vessels throughout the body and lead to atherosclerosis which increases the risks for stroke.
WHAT DISABILITIES CAN RESULT FROM A STROKE?
The types and degrees of disability that follow a stroke depend upon which area of the