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Javeria Hashmi
4 min read

Understanding strokes: causes, effects and prevention

Introduction  

Strokes can be thought of as 'heart attacks for the brain'. They can be evident in people of various ages and can alter one's lifestyle and functional abilities. In this article, we will explore what strokes are, why they occur, their effects on the body as well as warning signs and prevention methods. Understanding these concepts is essential as it enables us to protect ourselves and the health of others around us.


What are strokes? 

A stroke can be a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is a disturbance in the blood flow to the brain. The brain is in constant need of oxygen, and when it is not delivered to a part of the brain, the cells in that area begin to die. The brain consists of arteries: tubelike structures that carry blood, supplying it with oxygen. A stroke can occur when these arteries are blocked or rupture.


There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are when there is a blockage in the blood vessels (eg. a clot) that cuts off oxygen supply. Hemorrhagic strokes are when there is a tear in the blood vessels or when it ruptures, resulting in bleeding in the brain. Strokes are an emergent situation where time is very critical, and treatment is required as soon as possible. The longer the brain experiences the lack of oxygen the more severe the damage is and the longer recovery takes.

 

Risk factors 

It is important to understand the risk factors associated with this condition to know how to help prevent it. Some risk factors include: high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high blood cholesterol and lipids. Standard blood pressure is 120/80, and a person with blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/90 can experience damaged blood vessels. Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to die from a stroke than those without the condition. Diabetes is associated with increased glucose levels; the excessive glucose causes damage to blood vessels. Smoking and high blood cholesterol increase the chances of ischemic strokes as they cause buildup of plaque in the arteries which increases the chances of blood clots and interferes with oxygen flow.

 

Effects on one's body  

The brain is the command center of the human body, regulating nearly all bodily functions. When parts of the brain die due to the lack of oxygen, its functioning is affected as well as motor skills, speech, muscle contractions and memory. Depending on the magnitude of the stroke, certain damages may be permanent. Smaller strokes may result in chronic pains and muscle soreness.

 

Warning signs and early detection  

The acronym FAST is commonly used to help detect when one is having a stroke. Fast stands for: 

F-  Face drooping: when one side of the face does not function. A way to test this is to ask the person to smile.

A- Arm weakness: one arm is weak, or num. Ask the patient to lift up both arms to see if one side is less responsive.  

S- Speech difficulty: the patient finds it difficult to speak. Slurred speech is a very common symptom.  

T- Time to call 911: If the patient shows any of these symptoms, immediately call 911, even if the symptoms fade away. Don’t forget this is a time sensitive situation.  


Some other symptoms include, fatigue, loss of energy, fainting, sudden falls, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, confusion, headaches, trouble seeing and difficulty swallowing.  


Prevention 

It is not possible to fully eliminate the chance of having a stroke, however there are many things you can do to reduce it. Some of these include making lifestyle changes such as eating whole foods, exercising daily as well as getting 7-8 hours of sleep a day. Avoid smoking along with tobacco, vapes, drug misuse, excessive alcohol. If you are an individual who experiences high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, it is very important to keep up with your treatment plan and make sure you are managing it.  


Conclusion 

Understanding strokes and how to prevent them is crucial. Recognizing signs like drooping of the face, weakness in the arm and difficulty in speech can save one's life. Managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and smoking is vital for preventing this condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consistent exercise and enough sleep plays a big role in protecting brain health. By making these healthy choices and staying informed you can reduce your risk as well as keep yourself and others safe from strokes. 

 

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