New Delhi: A stroke is a medical emergency that demands timely intervention. This article aims to highlight crucial strategies such as eating well, exercising daily, staying stress-free, and quitting smoking to reduce the risk of a stroke and disability associated with it.
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is sudden bleeding in the brain. BEFAST (Balance, Eyes, Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, and Time) is the acronym for a stroke. Other warning signs can be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, seizures, memory loss, coma, passing out, and headaches. The causes of a stroke are hypertension, high blood sugar levels, stress, family history, genetic predisposition, and clotting disorders. One should be aware of these symptoms and initiate timely treatment within the golden hour (60 minutes) which is life-saving. One has to ensure he/she takes various precautions to prevent a stroke as it can lead to complications such as post-stroke fatigue, permanent disability due to paralysis, and cognitive impairment. One should follow these preventive measures to reduce the risk of a stroke.
Tips to prevent a stroke
- Quit smoking: It is a known fact that smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the chances of blood clots and ultimately a stroke that will require timely treatment.
- Eating a well-balanced diet: Ensure to include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. One will have to avoid junk, processed, canned foods, and sugary treats to reduce the chances of a stroke.
- Exercise: If you are physically inactive then you are doing it all wrong! Exercise will help you to stay active and moving and lower the risk of a stroke. Try to exercise for at least 5 days a week for 45 minutes and you will be able to prevent a stroke.
- Sleep: One has to follow a structured sleep routine and ensure to get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep.
Regular check-ups and follow-ups: The doctor may recommend testing you for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and heart disease. Hence, it will be imperative to follow the advice given by the doctor. - Cut down on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise high blood pressure. So, avoid alcohol and keep blood pressure under control which will in turn reduce the risk of stroke.
- Manage high blood pressure and sugar levels: One has to regularly monitor his/her blood pressure and sugar levels at home or in a clinical setting. Also, ensure to take the prescribed medication by the doctor.
(The author is Head of the Department of Neurology, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai)
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