Controlling blood pressure, weight, atrial fibrillation and diabetes, and quitting smoking help reduce the risk of stroke.
Stroke is a dangerous neurological disease that can happen to anyone, at any age. The disease often occurs suddenly, and if not treated promptly, it can easily lead to serious complications and death.
Dr. Dam Thi Cam Linh, Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that there are many factors that increase the risk of stroke. Currently, there is no way to completely prevent it, but some lifestyle changes and controlling underlying diseases contribute to significantly reducing the risk.
Lose weight for overweight and obese people : Excess weight increases the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis... These are all high risk factors leading to stroke. The ideal body mass index (BMI) is 18.5-22.9.
Do not smoke : Cigarette smoke increases the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries, making the blood thicker. This condition promotes the formation of blood clots that block the arteries and lead to stroke. People who want to quit smoking should consult a doctor and apply supportive methods to increase effectiveness.
Regularly check your blood pressure : High blood pressure is the most common risk factor for stroke. Dr. Cam Linh said that depending on the level of high blood pressure, the risk of stroke increases by two times, possibly four times compared to normal people. The ideal blood pressure level for healthy people is 120/80 mmHg. People with high blood pressure with blood pressure readings exceeding 140/90 mmHg should see a doctor for advice on appropriate treatment.
Prevent high blood pressure by practicing the habit of eating a low-salt, bland diet, reducing the amount of salt in your daily diet to less than 1,500 mlg (equivalent to half a teaspoon). Limit foods high in cholesterol such as animal organs, greasy, fried foods, egg yolks, cold cuts, and only eat red meat two to three times a week. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables every day.
Screening and treatment of atrial fibrillation : This is a type of irregular heartbeat that can easily lead to blood clots forming in the heart. Following the blood circulation, blood clots can move up to the brain, causing cerebral vascular occlusion, increasing the risk of stroke.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest heaviness, chest tightness, or chest pain... Patients need early treatment.
Prevent or control diabetes : High blood sugar often damages blood vessels, easily forming blood clots. To prevent diabetes, limit sugary drinks, eat moderately, diversify foods, eat on time and avoid skipping meals, supplement with whole grains, foods rich in fiber.
Monitoring blood sugar to control diabetes helps reduce the risk of stroke. Photo: Freepik
People with diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. Follow a diet and take medication as directed by your doctor.
Drink alcohol in moderation : Adults can drink one small glass of light wine per day. The risk of stroke increases with the amount of alcohol and the alcohol concentration of the wine consumed.
Increase exercise : Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is good for your health, preventing strokes as well as many other dangerous diseases. Exercise helps burn excess energy, prevents obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease... Exercise helps regulate heart rate, increase blood circulation, reduce stress, improve sleep... contributing to stroke prevention.
Each person can choose a form of exercise that suits their interests and health conditions, such as walking, swimming, playing badminton... Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and dividing the time to exercise during the day into short periods of 5-10 minutes is also helpful.
Common signs of a stroke include facial or mouth distortion, difficulty speaking, numbness or loss of sensation on one side of the body, unusual headaches, decreased vision, unsteady walking... Doctor Cam Linh recommends that patients should go to the emergency hospital for stroke treatment promptly, as soon as possible.
Truong Giang
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