Be Careful, Hypertension Can Be a Cause of Stroke

Hypertension is a well-established and modifiable risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Notably, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the second most common cause of disability-adjusted life-years. As such, we provide a viewpoint on blood pressure management in stroke and emphasize blood pressure control or management for first and recurrent stroke prevention, acute stroke treatment, and for prevention of cognitive impairment or dementia.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. The diagnosis of high blood pressure has different stages escalating in seriousness. These stages range from elevated — for adults, that’s a systolic pressure from 120 to 129 but a normal diastolic pressure — to a hypertensive crisis, when readings exceed 180/120 mm Hg. A hypertensive crisis requires immediate medical attention.

Chronic high blood pressure puts a lot of stress on your arteries and other organs over time. The constant increased force of blood flow through your arteries weakens them over time, making you more susceptible to severe problems, including a stroke.

There are two main types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. High blood pressure can lead to either type of stroke when it's uncontrolled. Most strokes (87%) are ischemic. An ischemic stroke happens when the vessels in your brain narrow or clog due to damage from high blood pressure, cutting off blood flow to your brain and leading to a stroke. Only about 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes, which is when one of the arteries in your brain bursts because chronic high blood pressure weakens it. Hemorrhagic strokes lead to bleeding in your brain and serious long-term consequences.

Strokes caused by bleeding in or around the brain. These are “hemorrhagic” strokes. They tend to be more serious and deadlier than clot-based ones. A weak blood vessel breaks open, usually because of an aneurysm, a spot that has ballooned up from pressure. High blood pressure damages arteries and makes them more likely to tear or burst.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It’s called “the silent killer” because it has no apparent symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it, so regularly checking your blood pressure is crucial.

High blood pressure causes damage to the arteries over time. That damage can lead to blockages and blood clots that limit blood supply to vital organs. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, the tissue dies. That’s why high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure.

If you get your blood pressure under control, you can cut your chance of having a stroke by almost half. Talk to your doctor about whether medication would help. You can also aim to:

50. Eat less salt, sugar, and saturated fats (mainly from meat and poultry). Avoid artificial trans fats (often found in processed foods that have “hydrogenated” ingredients). Eat more fiber, fruits, and leafy green vegetables
50. Get to a healthy weight. A big belly, compared with your hip size, is one sign of too much fat on your body.
50. Stop smoking. If you already smoke, quitting will help lower your odds for stroke.
50. Limit alcohol. Drinking too much can raise your blood pressure.
50. Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as brisk walks, 5 times a week.
50. Lower your stress. Studies show constant stress makes you more likely to have a stroke

If you or a loved one are at higher risk of stroke, it’s important to know the signs. Thankfully, there’s an acronym to help you out – F.A.S.T.

It stands for:

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 0812-1906-4352 (SPGDT RSU Hermina Kemayoran)

It’s simple, straightforward, and can save a life.

Referensi

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