What do you need to know about stroke and how to treat it?

Stroke does not only affect the elderly, as blood clots in the brain can also affect those at a young age. The causes vary, whether it's obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or congenital diseases such as blood disorders and heart conditions. 

But, clearly, a poor lifestyle is also the most common contributing factor to stroke at a young age. Drinking too much alcohol or using illegal drugs, for example, can be the reason why someone can have a stroke, even before the age of 45.

Stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

Stroke is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is essential.

The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to occur.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, contact RS Hermina Grand WIsata immediately and request an ambulance.

Stroke symptoms
The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered by the word FAST:

Face - The face may be down on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or the mouth or eyes are down.
Arm - The arms of a person suspected of having a stroke may not be able to raise both arms and keep them there due to weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
Speaking - Their speech may be slurred or unclear, or the person may not be able to speak at all despite appearing conscious; they may also have problems understanding what you say to them.
Time - Contact RS Hermina Grand Wisata immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

Causes of stroke

Like all other organs of the body, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients provided by the blood in order to function properly.

Many other stroke risk factors can be managed or influenced to reduce your risk.

Learn more about stroke risk factors.

Let's look at these changes in more detail.

1.Managing blood pressure 
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure significantly contributes to 90%Trusted Source of all strokes. The higher your blood pressure, the greater the risk.

2. Managing blood sugar
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for stroke. Stroke accounts for about 20% of deaths in people with diabetes, and people with prediabetes have a higher risk of stroke as well.

3. Improve blood cholesterol
Good blood cholesterol management is not just about lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) is also important.

4. Quit smoking, if you smoke
People who smoke have a 2 to 4 times greater risk of ischemic stroke than people who do not smoke. Smoking is a factor in nearly 15% of all stroke deaths in the United States each year.

5. Consider drinking habits
While people who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol may have a lower risk of heart disease than those who do not, the American Heart Association (AHA) notes that there may be other factors besides alcohol consumption that provide benefits. The AHA also notes that other behaviors, such as exercising more and eating antioxidant-rich fruits, may better lower stroke risk.

6. Aim for a healthy weight
Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for stroke. They are also closely linked to other conditions or diseases that increase stroke risk, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

7. Exercise regularly
Exercise can have a Trusted Source positive impact on some of the major risk factors for stroke.

8. Taking sleep seriously
Research has made it clear that poor sleep quality can increase the risk of stroke.

9. Get treatment for atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Atrial fibrillation (AF or Afib) is a type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. If you have Afib, you have a higher risk of stroke and blood clots.

10. Focus on diet
Eating a nutritious and balanced diet can help you lose weight and positively impact other issues that may contribute to stroke risk.

Referensi:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/

https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/stroke-prevention#risk-factors

https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-pola-hidup-sehat-untuk-mencegah-stroke-di-usia-muda