World Stroke Day: Prevention can prevent 80% of cases

Cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is the disease that kills most Brazilians and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Learn to prevent

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Brazil and stroke is one of the most at risk. It is also the leading cause of disability in the world. In fact, data from the Brazilian Society of AVC (SBAVC) indicate that about 70% of people do not return to work due to sequelae and 50% depend on other people daily for the same reason.

Furthermore, cases among young people are increasing, reaching 10% of patients under 55 years of age. The World Stroke Organization estimates that one in six people in the world will have a stroke at some point in their life.

Causes of stroke

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, causing damage to brain cells and making them unable to perform their functions. However, nutritionist Dr. Ronan Araujo explains that brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients.

“They are supplied by a network of blood vessels that reach all parts of the brain. When something interrupts this supply, the brain cells begin to die. The injury that follows is called a stroke.”

or ischemic stroke it is the most common type, accounting for 85% of all cases. It occurs when an artery becomes blocked, preventing the passage of oxygen to the brain cells, which eventually die. This obstruction may be due to a thrombus (thrombosis) or an embolus (embolism).

already on hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a brain vessel ruptures, causing bleeding. This bleeding can occur within the brain tissue or on the surface between the brain and the meninges. It accounts for 15% of all cases, but can cause death more often than ischemic stroke.

Symptoms

According to the Ministry of Health, the main warning signs for any type of stroke are:

• Weakness or tingling in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Mental confusion;
• Change in speech or understanding
• Change in vision (in one or both eyes)
• Change in balance, coordination, dizziness, or change in gait
• Sudden, intense headache with no apparent cause.

Hospital Israelite neurosurgeon Albert Einstein points out that when you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is because “time is brain”, as the expert says. He explains that the patient must be diagnosed and treated within the first four hours of the emergency, otherwise the chances of developing some serious sequelae increase.

“Therefore, anyone should always worry if he notices a throbbing headache, which changes the patient’s face., He adds.

Risk factors

Also according to the Ministry of Health, the main factors that increase the likelihood of having a stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are:

• Hypertension;
• type 2 diabetes;
• High cholesterol
• overweight;
• to smoke;
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Old age;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Use of illicit drugs;
• Family history;
• Be male.

However, as pointed out by Dr. Ronan, 80% of cases can be avoided by adopting healthy habits.

stroke prevention

The nutritionist indicates the main ways to prevent a stroke:

• Check for high blood pressure;
• Treat diabetes properly;
• Reduce cholesterol levels;
• Check the weight;
• Practice physical exercises regularly;
• Adopt techniques that improve the quality of sleep;
• Stop smoking;
• Eat well, avoiding very fatty meats and industrialized and processed foods;
• Reduce the consumption of salt;
• Check your stress levels;
• Consume more fiber-rich foods.

In addition, the doctor points out that it is essential to avoid the uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages. “Having a beer or a glass of wine socially is not a problem, but excessive and unregulated consumption of alcohol increases blood pressure and can be extremely dangerous.” notify the specialist.

He adds that the ideal is to visit a nutritionist or an endocrinologist frequently, to adequately treat the problems of cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and, in addition, obesity. “These are essential attitudes that help reduce the risk of stroke.” concludes dr. Ronan.

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Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.