Stroke is an sudden neurological incident that can affect a specific area, and sometimes the entire brain. This is why it is important to act as fast as possible when recognizing the symptoms. When a stroke occurs, the blood supply to the brain is cut off. This prevents the brain from receiving oxygen and essential nutrients.
Causes of stroke.
There are two types of stroke depending on the reason why the brain's blood supply is cut off: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
- When an ischemic stroke occurs when the brain's arteriers are blocked by a blood clot or narrowed because of fatty deposits. This blocks the blood flow to the brain and causes damage.
- A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vesels in the brain are leaking or are ruptured, again causing blood supply to certain parts of the brain.
Stroke prevention
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disabillity worldwide. The good news is that it is highly preventable. There are several risk factors that are very strongly linked to stroke. By controlling the levels of these factors we can prevent the occurence of stroke.
These risk factors include:
1. Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
2. Regular monitoring of blood sugar.
3. Regular monitoring of cholesterol.
4. Regular exercise.
5. Avoid being overweight by following a healthy diet.
6. Reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
There are also several types of medications that can be taken to reduce the occurrence of recurrent stroke.
Such drugs include:
- antiplatelet drugs. Platelets are the cells in your blood that form clots. Antiplatelet drugs make these cells less likely to clot. The most commonly used antiplatelet drug is aspirin.
- anticoagulants. This medication reduces blood clotting.