Stroke – Types, Symptoms, Risk factors and Prevention

ASA American heart association claims, stroke is the 5ft most common cause of death in America. Stroke is the disease affecting the blood vessels carrying blood to the brain or within the brain. It is caused when these blood vessels either blocks or bleeds. These blood vessels carry oxygen and several nutrients to the brain. When the clot occurs in the blood vessels the blood cannot flow to the brain. In this case, the stroke occurs. This stroke is called an ischemic stroke. The other case is when the weakened blood vessels are ruptured the blood bleeds through the brain. This stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke American stroke association confesses, 80% of the strokes can be prevented or avoided.

Types of Stroke

There are mainly two types of strokes but another less popular one also exists.

Ischemic stroke:

ASA American heart association says, 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes. This is caused due to the plaque build-up in the vessels carrying nutrients to the brain. The sole reason behind the blood clotting is the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels. The fast development in the blood vessels is called cerebral thrombosis

It is developed due to calcium and higher fat intake. As the plaque builds up and if a cut occurs in that plaque, the platelets began to stick in it and make a clot. This clot then starts moving in the blood vessels. This clot when reaches the thinner blood vessels of the brain. These vessel diameter does not allow it to pass through them. There it causes a blockage in that vessel and the ischemic stroke occurs.

The other type of plaque build-up is a cerebral embolism. In it, plaque builds in the main arteries and heart. The same process repeats after the blood clot is in the bloodstream.

Hemorrhagic stroke:

This is caused due to the bleeding or rupturing of the weakened blood vessels. ASA claims that hemorrhagic stroke makes up 13% of the total strokes. There are two distinct blood vessels responsible for hemorrhagic stroke. Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. The sole reason for the weakening of blood vessels in hypertension. Although there are other factors too such as a road accident may be a cause of it.

Symptoms of a Stroke

Headache

You can  have sudden headache along with the dizziness or a feel of vomiting

Paralysis of limbs

Your leg arm or face can be paralyzed. You can apply a check on your arms by raising them and if one falls. It means you have a stroke. Furthermore,  your face may be problematic from one side.

Vision problems

If you have trouble seeing and if you see all the things double or any vision problems it means that you may have a stroke.

Problematic walking

It is when you feel jerky while walking and have difficulty while walking. Then you may have a stroke.

Risk factors of getting a Stroke

There are a lot of risk factors for a stroke which is mentioned below

High blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis which consequently damages the blood vessels and arteries. Damaging of arteries finally causes stroke so if you have any such problem then control it.

High cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterols, LDL also called bad cholesterol, and HDL which is good cholesterol. The higher the bad LDL higher will be the risk of fatty deposits in the blood vessels and the higher will be the risk of blood clotting and stroke as well.

Diabetes

Diabetes is caused when your pancreas is not working properly. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a substance that drives the sugar and the glucose present in the blood to the cells where needed. If you have diabetes. Your pancreas is not working properly. And if its that so then a higher amount of sugar in your blood means a higher the risk of atherosclerosis and plaque build and clotting which causes the stroke.

Family history

Family history is a natural factor. You should never neglect it because it is part of your genes. If any male in your family above 55 has these diseases or any female having it above 65 then you are likely to have it.

Smoking

If you are a chain smoker then quit it because smoking makes your arteries stiff which can cause stroke indirectly.

Complications

If you leave this disease untreated then there can be a lot of complications

Speech issues

You can have trouble understanding speech and speaking as well. The muscles of the throat soft palate and other velopharyngeal components get weaker and you feel difficulties while speaking. Such as repeating a simple phrase. Furthermore, you can have the problem of trouble understanding the speech.

Memory loss

Memory is one of the most integral parts of your daily life. Unfortunately, the intensity of this disease can cause memory loss and you can have problems regarding learning something new.

Emotional problems

People with stroke become emotional or they do not have enough strength to cope with new emotional issues and can be collapsed by having an intense emotional setback.

Prevention for Stroke

Physical activity

Physical activity is very important to have biologically active muscles and body parts. Consult with your doctor on having the exercises plan. Preferably you should do physical activity on daily basis. But if not then at least two or three days a weak.

Healthy diet

A healthy diet is very important for attaining good health. Eat whole grains avocados olive oil and walnuts. Moreover, consume low-fat dairy products as well as fish and avoid sugar and common salt.

Have a good cholesterol. Attaining good cholesterol is quite essential for preventing this disease. Consume polyunsaturated fats instead of trans and saturated fats. Some of their sources are olive oil and canola oil. Also, eat fish like salmon which contains omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are healthy for your heart and arteries. These diets will reduce your bad LDL and increase your good HDL.

Apart from this avoid smoking or any kind of tobacco intake as well as controlling diabetes and hypertension is also vital for preventing strokes

See also:

9 Food for a Healthy Heart | Heart Healthy Diet

9 foods that help you fight stress

Author: Junaid, Medical Content Writer