Are you at risk of a mini stroke? Know your risk factors

Heart-related diseases are the most commonly occurring ones nowadays. People sometimes are not aware that this is what they are going through, and as a result of a late diagnosis, there is not much hope left in the end. All of it comes racing back to the kind of lifestyle that we lead, the food that we consume, and the kind of workout that we do; all are aiding factors that help us determine how healthy our heart actually is.

When we think of a heart attack or mini-stroke, we imagine extreme scenarios. However, a silent warning sign of an impending health crisis often goes unnoticed: the mini stroke. Unlike a full-blown stroke, a mini stroke typically lasts only a few minutes and leaves no permanent damage, but it is a serious red flag that a more devastating stroke may be incoming.

Want to know if you are at risk? Let us break down how seemingly small habits could silently increase your risk of a mini stroke.

What is a mini stroke exactly?

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood clots briefly block blood flow into the brain. Unlike a full stroke, symptoms of TIA, usually resolve within hours or even minutes. However, 1 in 3 people who have had a mini stroke will go on to have a major stroke within a year.

Factors contributing to a mini stroke:

Chronic sleep deprivation

Getting less than 7-8 hours of quality sleep regularly is linked to higher levels of inflammation in the body, blood sugar spikes, and insulin resistance, all of which contribute to plaque buildup and narrowed arteries. These conditions make the perfect conditions for a blood clot, leading to a transient ischemic attack or mini stroke.

Air pollution exposure

Research confirms that fine particles from traffic pollution do not just affect your lungs. They seep into the bloodstream and can cause arterial stiffening, increasing the risk of mini strokes. If you have hardened arteries, it reduces the blood flow to the brain, which may cause temporary blockages that mimic a stroke.

Chronic stress and cortisol overload

Are you someone who is always stressed and pushing through? Then
High stress levels lead to surges in cortisol, which directly impact your vascular system by increasing blood pressure and arterial inflammation.

Poor dental hygiene and gum disease

Inflammation from the gum disease can contribute to arterial plaque instability, which is a key cause of mini strokes. Periodontal disease that causes inflammation can spread rapidly, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Ignoring gut health

An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to metabolic inflammation and can impair your ability to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar, compounding stroke risk.

Nutritional gaps

When fresh and healthy foods are out of reach, people turn to ultra-processed and high sodium packaged food options, which directly raise the risk of vascular diseases. High cholesterol and elevated blood pressure are two major contributors to mini-stroke.