Strokes: recognize them in time

How many times have you heard the sad news that a family member or friend has suffered suddenly from a stroke that put their life at risk?  We immediately ask ourselves…could it have been prevented?  How did they get to that point?  Did they have any symptoms they just didn’t know how to decipher?

On average, a little more than 6 million people have suffered from this condition, but their lives were saved thanks to quick action.  In this article we are going to know which signs should receive immediate specialist attention to prevent permanent consequences, or even worse, fatal damage.

What it is a Stroke

In order to understand the symptoms and how to prevent this condition, you first need to know what it is.  Strokes occur when blood flow is slowed or reduced to the brain.

Within just a few minutes, brain cells begin to die.  Diving further into the medical field, there are two types of strokes.

Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots that block or clog a blood vessel within the brain.

The other type, known as hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel rupturing, which bleeds within the brain.

Primary symptoms

One of the most notorious symptoms is loss of muscular control; you may notice that you can’t move or lift your arm, leg, or you might not even be able to walk.

You could suffer from facial paralysis or some sort of change, making it difficult to speak.

Loss of balance or coordination is another sign that could warn of a stroke.

Sudden, intense and unusual headaches, and loss of vision, could also appear.

What to do if having Strokes

If you feel any of these symptoms you need to see a specialist immediately.  Remember, these hemorrhages cause death in a third of the patients that suffer from them, and they can leave another 20% of them totally dependent.

Risk factors

Individuals that suffer from hypertension are more likely to suffer from strokes.  Do not forget to take your medication daily and do not put off seeing your primary doctor.

Another illness that could lead to strokes is uncontrolled diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia and obesity.

Ways to care for yourself

There are, however, daily habits that can lead to this condition, for example, like drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking too much and not exercising.

New studies

According to a group of researchers at the University of Utrecht, Holland, consuming coffee, intense physical exercise, blowing your nose with great force, and constipation could also increase your risk of having a stroke.

Sexual relations

That’s not all, sexual relations have also been listed as another cause.  Their studies have shown that all sexual acts temporarily increase blood pressure.

According to their explanation, this could facilitate a blood vessel inflamed by an aneurysm, could burst.  This study was published in May in the magazine Stroke.

There’s no reason to startle yourself.  If you are an at-risk patient, it would be best to see your doctor regarding whether or not these activities could be harmful to your health.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 08/30/2018

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