A stroke is one of the most devastating medical emergencies that can happen to a person.
A stroke is a brain attack and happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off.
It can be caused by a blockage or a bleed.
Without blood, brain cells can be damaged or die.
This damage can have different effects depending on where it happens in the brain and can affect the body, mobility and speech, as well as how patients think and feel.
The type of disability caused by a stroke depends on the extent of brain damage and what part of the brain is damaged.
Speedy treatment is vital when dealing with a stroke as every minute that treatment is delayed more of the brain is damaged.
ALSO READ: Recognise the signs of a stroke
Here are some risk factors that may increase your chances of having a stroke:
1. Age and gender
Aging means a higher risk of illness, including the likelihood of having a stroke. The chance of having a stroke doubles every decade after the age of 55. “Women are also more likely to suffer from a stroke,” said Renathe van der Merwe from Angels Initiative.
2. Genetic tendency
Many hereditary conditions can raise your risk of having stroke-like sickle cell disease. However, external factors have more influence on your increased risk rather than genetics because children share environments, habits and other variables which can influence the likelihood of having a stroke. “It is important to know as much about your family history as possible, as there may be a history of strokes in the family, but this isn’t always possible,” said Renathe.
3. Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking tobacco is a strong, independent risk factor for suffering from a stroke. “Smokers are six times more likely to have a stroke than people who do not smoke,” said Renathe.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a substantial risk factor for stroke and vascular disease. Failure to manage the sugar levels in your blood is the primary cause of diabetes. The elevated sugar levels damage blood vessels, making them hard and narrow which can cause blockages resulting in a stroke.
5. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a natural element necessary for our bodies to function. It works by attaching itself to proteins in the bloodstream to become lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins: low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins are often thought of as ‘bad’ cholesterol because they carry cholesterol from the liver to the cells that need them. High-density lipoprotein takes the LDL away from the cells to the liver where it can be absorbed or excreted. The balance of both LDL and HDL is essential to your overall health. High cholesterol can mean blockages are building up in your bloodstream, which increases your chances of having a stroke. High cholesterol doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms, so it’s vital that you regularly check in with your physician.
6. High blood pressure
Hypertension is when your blood pressure remains continually elevated and can cause damage to the blood vessels. High blood pressure may cause the weak blood vessels to rupture or catch a blood clot.
7. Lack of physical activity
Humans were made to move. The modern plight of little to no physical activity increases your risk of having a stroke and many other conditions. Regular exercise controls health factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and moderates blood sugar.
8. Obesity
Obesity is a disease that can be accompanied by a range of illnesses or complications. The risk of having a stroke with obesity stems from the inflammation in blood vessels due to fatty tissue. Maintaining a healthy body weight can have many health benefits, including reducing your risk of having a stroke.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.
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