A stroke happens when there is a decrease or blockage in the brain’s blood supply and is one of the leading causes of death.
When a blockage or blood bleeding vessel interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain, it prevents the brain from receiving enough oxygen or nutrients, and as such,h the brain cell starts to die.
Stroke is much like a heart attack but it happens in the brain.
Stroke is in three types
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke that makes up 87% of most cases of stroke. Here, a blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reality in an area of the brain.
- Hemorrhage stroke: This happens when a blood vessel ruptures.
- Transient ischemic: This is when blood flow to a part of the brain is insufficient for a short period.
Stroke can be fatal especially when it is not detected early enough.
See symptoms of stroke:
- Difficulty in speaking and understanding speech.
- Inability to coordinate self well.
- Inability to move parts of the body, especially one side of the body.
- Sight-related problems.
- Lack of emotional control
- Depression
Factors that can cause one to experience stroke:
- Family History
- Age above 55
- Presence of high cholesterol in the body
- Overweight/obesity
To prevent stroke, one should:
• Exercise regularly to help lower your cholesterol level which is a risk factor for stroke.
Exercise also helps to keep your blood pressure healthy.
• Eat healthily
An unhealthy diet can increase your chances of having a stroke because it may lead to an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol.
Take enough fruits, nuts, salad, legumes, vegetables, and reduce the intake of red meat or processed foods.
Take salt to a moderate degree to support healthy blood pressure levels.
• Maintain a moderate weight.
• Avoid smoking
Even after having a stroke because it narrows your arteries and your blood is more likely to clot.
• Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can trigger irregular heartbeat. Also, alcoholic drinks are high in calories, heavy drinking of alcohol multiplies stroke risk more than 3 times.
When you experience any of the listed symptoms, you must visit the hospital for a proper check-up.
