Are you at risk of a stroke?
Stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Also called a brain attack, it can occur when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, explains the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you survive a stroke, there's a high chance your brain may become damaged or may die, resulting in long-term disability and death. That said, let us first understand the risk.
Who is at risk?
According to the Mayo Clinic, people aged 55 and above, those with pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and people with a family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack can be at greater risk of a stroke. But apart from these risk factors, severe sleep apnea can also increase your risk of brain attack.
Also read: Headphones can put you at risk of hearing loss: Doctors
Sleep apnea may precede stroke, go undiagnosed in 80% patient: Report
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder wherein the breathing repeatedly stops and starts suddenly accompanied with loud snoring. What's interesting is that reports suggest a possible link between sleep apnea and stroke.
As per the Sleep Apnea Organisation, sleep apnea occurs in up to 70 percent of patients after they have a stroke. Furthermore, it has been reported that sleep-disordered breathing can even precede a stroke. However, it's been found that around 85 percent of individuals with sleep apnea don't know they have it, hence becoming a threat to the brain. This is why experts believe sleep apnea to be a risk factor for a stroke.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
Obstructive and central sleep apneas are two types of sleep apneas that can occur. That said, according to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep - insomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness - hypersomnia
- Difficulty paying attention while awake
- Irritability
Signs of stroke that calls for immediate action
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to parts of the brain is blocked. This then affects different parts of the body, leading to symptoms. These include:
- Trouble with speech and comprehension
- Paralysis or numbness in the face, arm or leg
- Problems with vision
- Headache
- Trouble walking
How to reduce your risk of the attack?
It is extremely important to know your risk factors. If you have a high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or any other pre-existing conditions, it is best to manage and regulate it. Maintaining a healthy weight is key and therefore, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help achieve good health.
Furthermore, exercising regularly and keeping unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption at bay may play a significant role in curbing your risk of a stroke. Most importantly, if you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to get it treated at the earliest.