Stroke, medically recognized as “cerebral stroke,” is an acute cerebrovascular disease that often leads to blockage or rupture of brain blood vessels. This obstruction of blood supply can cause tissue damage in the brain. With its high incidence, mortality, and disability rates, stroke is known as the “silent killer.” Many cases of stroke are closely linked to our daily habits.
There are two main types of strokes:
1. Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all strokes. It occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries that bring blood to the brain, mainly due to thrombosis or arterial narrowing.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and leaks blood into brain tissue.
Symptoms of Stroke
When someone exhibits the following symptoms, they may be at risk of a stroke and require urgent medical intervention:
1. Facial numbness or weakness: Typically on one side, potentially involving the lips, eyes, and cheeks.
2. Sudden speech difficulties: Including trouble speaking, confusion, or an inability to understand others.
3. Sudden limb weakness or numbness: Mainly affecting one side of the body, possibly including the arm, leg, or half of the body.
4. Sudden loss of balance control: Difficulty walking, staggering, or losing balance.
5. Sudden severe headache: Possibly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and visual problems.
If any of these symptoms occur, call emergency services immediately for help.
Poor Diet: The Triple Threat of Salt, Fat, and Sugar
High intake of salt, fat, and excessive sugar contributes significantly to hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes—major risk factors for stroke. A long-term surplus of these substances can damage blood vessels, making them stiff and prone to injury, which may lead to blockages or ruptures triggering a stroke.
Lack of Exercise: The Invisible Killer of Sedentary Lifestyles
Prolonged inactivity reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency and blood circulation, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. Regular physical activity enhances heart function, improves blood flow, and helps maintain normal blood pressure levels.
Smoking and Excessive Drinking: A Double Threat
Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes platelet aggregation, thus increasing the risk of blood clots. Additionally, harmful substances in tobacco can directly damage the inner walls of blood vessels. Excessive drinking can cause temporary hypertension and may lead to permanent blood pressure issues over time.
Chronic Stress: The Link Between Stress and Stroke
Under chronic stress, the body secretes more stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise blood pressure and damage blood vessels. The cumulative effect could trigger a stroke.
Insufficient Sleep: Nighttime Rest and Brain Health
Sleep deprivation disrupts the body’s metabolic functions and blood pressure regulation, increasing the risk of stroke. Good sleep habits help maintain stable blood pressure and also provide some relief from psychological stress.
Prevention Strategies for Stroke
1. Balanced Diet: Reduce intake of salt, saturated fats, and refined sugars while increasing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
2. Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week.
3. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Stop smoking completely and control alcohol consumption (men no more than two standard drinks per day, women no more than one).
4. Stress Management: Use meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques to manage life’s stressors.
5. Improve Sleep: Ensure 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep each night.
Understanding family medical history and regular health check-ups, especially monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, are crucial for early risk identification and preventive measures.
Treatment of Stroke
Stroke treatment typically involves several stages: emergency management, subsequent recovery, and prevention of recurrence. Depending on the type of stroke—ischemic (caused by vessel blockage) or hemorrhagic (caused by vessel rupture)—treatment methods vary.
Treatment for Ischemic Stroke
1. Thrombolysis
Medication (such as tissue plasminogen activator, tPA) is used to dissolve the blood clot blocking the vessel.
This treatment must be administered within a few hours after the onset of a stroke, with the optimal window typically being 3 to 4.5 hours after the event.
2. Mechanical Thrombectomy
A catheter is inserted into the blocked vessel, using specialized equipment to directly remove the clot.
This method can extend the treatment window, sometimes up to 6 to 24 hours after the event.
3. Antihypertensive Treatment
If a patient has significant hypertension, it may be necessary to moderately lower blood pressure.
Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Therapy
To prevent the formation of new clots.
Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke
1. Controlling Intracranial Pressure: May include using medications or surgery to reduce intracranial pressure.
2. Surgical Intervention: For certain types of hemorrhagic strokes, such as ruptured cerebral aneurysms, surgical clipping of the aneurysm or other interventions may be necessary.
3. Blood Pressure Control: Managing patient’s blood pressure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Post-Stroke Recovery Treatment
Rehabilitation Training: Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc., aimed at helping patients regain function and improve quality of life.
Psychological Support: Stroke patients and their families may need mental health support services.
Treatment to Prevent Recurrence
1. Lifestyle Adjustments: Such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, balancing diet, increasing physical activity, etc.
2. Long-Term Medication: Depending on the patient’s condition, long-term use of antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, etc., may be needed.
3. Surgery or Interventional Treatment: For patients with specific risk factors, carotid surgery or other vascular procedures may be necessary.
The information above is for reference only; specific treatment plans should be formulated by professional medical personnel based on the patient’s specific condition. If you or someone you know suspects a stroke, call emergency services immediately and seek professional medical help.
Stroke is not a sudden occurrence; its onset is often related to our daily habits. Advocating for a scientifically sound lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, limited alcohol consumption, adequate sleep, and a positive mindset, are all effective measures to prevent stroke.
Let us start now by paying attention to our lifestyle habits, building a solid line of defense for our health, and staying away from this “silent killer.”