A stroke is a violation of blood flow in the brain, rupture or blockage of blood vessels. To avoid the occurrence of a stroke, significantly reduce the risks, you should understand the factors contributing to its occurrence.
10. Heredity
In a person, the risk of a stroke increases by a third if any of his relatives had such attacks. Genetic disorders are a very common cause of the development of such a pathology. Of great importance is the ethnicity of a person. In people with black skin color, a stroke occurs more often, because they are prone to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Of course, you cannot change your genes, but you can begin to monitor your health and get rid of various bad habits.
9. Heavy alcoholic drinks
People who drink alcohol frequently and in large quantities often suffer from unhealthy changes in blood pressure. The blood of alcoholics usually becomes thicker and begins to pass through the vessels much worse. In such people, stroke develops very often: the most critical age period is 50-60 years. To reduce the risk of such an attack, you need to consume as few alcoholic beverages as possible or abandon them altogether. It’s better to allow yourself a glass of quality wine several times a week than not to drink alcohol for a week or two, and then get drunk on the weekend.
8. You are a man
Representatives of the stronger sex are more at risk of a stroke. However, most often they cope better with such attacks than women, recover faster after them. To protect himself, a man can minimize risk factors: for example, normalize nutrition, stop drinking alcoholic beverages, and so on. Attention should be focused on what can be controlled.
7. High blood pressure
With high blood pressure, the risk of developing a stroke is most directly related. Due to high pressure, blood vessels can be damaged, as a result of which the walls of arteries become more rigid, thicker. Because of this, clots appear, and blood outflow worsens significantly.
Pressure must be monitored: it is recommended to measure it at least once a year. If it is often elevated, it is better to consume less salt and eat as many vegetables and fruits as possible. So you can reduce the pressure. If the case is more advanced, you will need to see a doctor. He will prescribe suitable medications.
6. Overweight
The risk of pathologies of the cardiovascular system automatically increases in people with a body mass index of 25. To reduce it, you need to control the number of calories consumed, move more (ideally, go in for sports). The risk of developing a stroke can be significantly reduced even if a person loses a few pounds. When the weight decreases, the pressure automatically normalizes, which further minimizes the risk of an attack. One of the best is the Mediterranean diet, which implies the use of seafood, olive oil, low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, herbs and other healthy foods.
5. Lack of exercise
The risk of stroke significantly increases a sedentary lifestyle. Motile people, prone to active pastime, are healthier: their body is resistant to various diseases. To improve the quality of your life, to prevent the development of problems with the cardiovascular system, you need to give physical exercises every day for at least half an hour. You can just walk fast or ride a bike. If you can’t do it every day, try to do it at least several times a week.
4. High cholesterol
Cholesterol is characterized by increased fat content. Due to the excessive amount of such a substance in the arteries, plaques appear that significantly impair blood flow. The amount of "bad" cholesterol must be monitored: check it at least once every few years. This will need to be done more often if a person has any other problems with the cardiovascular system. With the help of sports and a healthy diet, you can increase the amount of “good” cholesterol, which ensures the elimination of “bad” substances.
3. Smoking
Smoking contributes to vasoconstriction, blood thickening, and cell damage. In vessels of smokers clots more often arise. Smoking reduces the amount of "good" cholesterol, helps increase blood pressure. Passive smoking is also dangerous, so it is not recommended to even stand next to the person in whose hands is a lit cigarette. If giving up such a bad habit is difficult for your own sake, you need to do it at least for your loved ones.
2. Weak heart
Atrial fibrillation (tachyarrhythmia) causes blood clots to occur, due to which a stroke develops. Tachyarrhythmia can occur if a person’s blood pressure is often elevated, and he doesn’t cure or control it. That is why when such a problem occurs, it is better to consult a doctor immediately: timely treatment will help to avoid serious complications.
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is the presence of large amounts of sugar in the blood. Because of this, blood vessels are damaged throughout the body, and as a result, the risk of stroke is significantly increased. Starting to control the level of sugar in the body, you can reduce this risk to a minimum. To improve the quality of life in diabetes, you need to devote time every day to exercise, eat only healthy food.