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Journalism of Courage
You have been on top of your health goals — eating clean, meeting your protein requirements, exercising frequently, and even staying far away from drinking and smoking. Does that mean your chances of getting a stroke are next to nil? Yes, unless you are guilty of this one particular habit.
Our lives are chaotic, and we are almost always in a rush. If your job or personal life tends to raise your stress levels, all the good habits you have adopted so far would go to waste. According to Dr Gaurish Kenkre, general manager and head of Atharv Ability–Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, unhealthy lifestyles, marked by sedentary habits, poor dietary choices and elevated stress levels, have become prevalent among the youth, raising their risk of stroke.
Dr Vikram Huded, Senior Consultant, Director, and Clinical Lead, Interventional Neurology Program, Narayana Health, explained that stress causes disturbed sleep, which increases the chances of hypertension and diabetes. There’s also an increased risk of obesity, which can up the chances of getting a stroke.
Risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are increasingly common in younger age groups. Substance abuse, including both illegal and prescription drugs, further elevates the risk of brain stroke.
The signs and symptoms of a brain stroke vary in different individuals. “Common signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm or leg, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech, severe headaches with no known cause, loss of balance or coordination, sudden vision problems, and dizziness or confusion,” Dr Kenkre explained.
Dr Sreekanta Swamy, Lead Senior Consultant – Neurology, Aster RV Hospital added that in recent decades, advances in stroke management and rehabilitation have made treatment more effective and outcomes more hopeful. However, receiving medical attention within the ‘Golden Hour’ remains crucial to minimize damage and maximize recovery.
She shared some key strategies to prevent and minimise the chances of getting a stroke:
Treat hypertension: The number one risk factor for stroke is hypertension. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, causing them to narrow, leak or rupture. Regularly monitoring and managing high blood pressure is necessary to prevent a brain stroke.
Manage diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels over a long period of time. This could lead to the formation of clots, thus increasing the likelihood of a stroke. Hence, ensuring optimal blood sugar levels is an essential aspect of preventing stroke for those suffering from diabetes.
Eat healthy: Ensuring a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a highly effective practice for preventing stroke. A well-balanced diet with foods that are low in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fibre can help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are both known to increase the risk of stroke.
Exercise frequently: Staying physically active and exercising regularly does wonders for both your physical as well as your mental health. Additionally, regular exercise can help one lose weight, manage blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the chance of having a stroke.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of stroke as it thickens the blood and leads to a higher risk of clots. Thus, quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of stroke significantly.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
