TOP LIFESTYLE MISTAKES THAT MAY LEAD TO BRAIN STROKE

Stroke, which is also known as a brain attack is an emergency health condition wherein the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced. This cuts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain which eventually causes the death of brain cells. The condition is a medical emergency and therefore, it is important to get medical help immediately. This helps to reduce brain damage and other complications of stroke.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that 15 million people suffer from stroke every year across the globe. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. While stroke is uncommon in people below 40 years, however, there has been a rising trend of stroke in people below the age of 40. WHO also states that high blood pressure is one of the major causes of stroke.

Along with these, there are certain lifestyle mistakes that increases the risk of brain stroke. Here, take a look at some of the most common lifestyle mistakes.

Poor Diet

Consuming a diet high in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for stroke. It is important to follow a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Lack of Physical Activity

Sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke. Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days every week.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of stroke. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure, while excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and atrial fibrillation, all of which are risk factors for stroke. Quitting smoking and moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risks of stroke.

Stress and Poor Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Learning to manage stress through techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga or therapy can help reduce the risk of stroke.

Lack of Sleep

Poor sleep habits, such as insufficient sleep duration or sleep apnoea, can increase the risk of stroke. You should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and seek treatment if you have symptoms of sleep disorders like sleep apnoea.

Ignoring Medical Conditions

Chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation can significantly increase the risk of stroke if left untreated or poorly managed. It’s important that you keep a check on these conditions and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Ignoring Stroke Warning Signs

Ignoring symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause, can delay timely medical care, leading to worse results in the event of a stroke. It is extremely crucial to spot these signs and seek immediate medical attention.

Addressing these lifestyle factors and adopting healthier habits can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke.

2024-02-28T11:40:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd