Comprehensive Guide To Stroke Prevention

A medical emergency when blood flow to a part of the brain becomes obstructed is referred to as a stroke. When blood flow is cut off from tissues in the brain, the cells do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen to stay alive. Depending on the severity and how quickly treatment was received for a stroke, permanent damage can be extensive or limited. Immediate medical attention is required for anyone who has a stroke, as brain damage, long-term disability, or death can result from it. There are three primary classifications a stroke can fall into, including a hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and a transient ischemic attack. Numerous risk factors can increase the risk of experiencing a stroke, including a family history of stroke and older age.

Stroke prevention is crucial, and, thankfully, can be easier than many might believe. Learn about stroke prevention now.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

To prevent a stroke, individuals should maintain a healthy weight. The excess fatty tissues present in individuals who are overweight and obese can cause widespread inflammation in the body. Any inflammation causes swelling and makes it harder for the individual's blood to move through their blood vessels. The cardiovascular system in an individual who is overweight or obese is under a heavy workload and is continuously strained. More body tissue means the individual has a higher demand for sufficient blood circulation by the heart and vessels to ensure oxygen and nutrients reach all parts of the body. While being obese or overweight is a risk factor independent of others, it also produces several secondary risk factors. Sleep apnea is more likely to develop in those who are overweight or obese, which can cause irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure that further increase the risk of having a stroke. Diabetes and left ventricular hypertrophy are also obesity precipitated risk factors that increase a patient's risk of having a stroke. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising at a moderate level for at least 150 minutes per week can help patients maintain a healthy weight.

Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent a stroke now.