8 habits and lifestyle changes that can help prevent stroke

Increasing cases of brain stroke among Indians

The incidence of stroke is rising even among the younger population, especially among those under 45. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as sleep deprivation, heavy alcohol consumption and smoking, excessive stress and sedentary lifestyle (less physical activities) are putting them at the risk of stroke. Other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, genetics and family history of stroke. High blood pressure is also associated with other risk factors for ischemic stroke, such as atherosclerosis. People with diabetes are about two times more prone to have a stroke as high sugar levels can damage blood vessels in different parts of the body, including the brain, causing a stroke.

Causes of brain stroke

Brain stroke is the second major cause of mortality and the leading cause of long-term disability across the globe. Most of the young adults come with ischemic strokes caused by artery-blocking blood clots that can travel to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in or near the brain ruptures. Sometimes strokes in young people can occur due to a tear in the neck blood vessels, a result of trauma, even minor trauma.

Symptoms of stroke

According to Dr. Tarun Sharma, Director-Brain & Spine Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, “Symptoms of Stroke manifest as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes or double vision, trouble walking, dizziness, sudden severe headache, and loss of balance, or lack of coordination. During the event of stroke, every minute counts as the patient can keep losing a part of oneself with each passing minute. Any kind of delay in treatment can leave the victim permanently disabled. Hence, On seeing stroke symptoms, the patient should be immediately rushed to the nearest stroke hospital. With the advancements in the treatment of brain stroke, modern devices are not only able to remove the clots but also reverse stroke.”

Must-do things to prevent stroke

To prevent the incidence of stroke, people are advised to take certain measures:

Do exercise regularly and eat a well balanced diet to manage medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Incorporate fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables in your daily diet. Avoiding saturated fats and trans fats may help lower buildup in the arteries.

Keep monitoring their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels

Maintain A healthy Body Mass Index to cut the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes

Quit or limit alcohol consumption

Say no to smoking. It is essential to refrain from second hand smoking to minimize the risk of stroke

You should take at least seven-eight hours of good quality sleep each night as Good sleep helps boost your brain performance, mood, and health.