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