Every year, 1.5 crore people have a stroke, of which 50 lakh people do not make it, whereas another 50 lakh are left permanently disabled. In India, stroke is the second most common cause of death, accounting for 1.85 lakh cases annually, with one stroke every 40 seconds and one stroke death every 4 minutes. The numbers may be disheartening but it is as disturbing to know that 80% of stroke cases are preventable, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So where are we going wrong? What don’t we know or pay attention to? What can be done? We spoke to Dr Amit Shah, Consultant Neurologist, SRV Hospitals, Goregaon, to find the answers.
Also Read: Why Do Women Have A Higher Risk Of Stroke Than Men
Risk Factors Of Stroke
Before we delve into the strategies that help prevent stroke, it is important to assess our risk of the condition.
The CDC suggests strokes can be more prevalent in certain populations, geographical areas, and certain age groups, adding that younger people have become more prone to strokes in recent years.
Dr Shah categorises stroke risk factors into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
Non-modifiable factors include age, gender, and family history, whereas modifiable risk factors are those we can influence through lifestyle changes or medical intervention. The latter includes high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
According to the doctor, controlling high blood pressure and addressing these risk factors through a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and managing chronic conditions can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
In addition, regular health check-ups are essential to monitor and manage these risk factors effectively, he adds.
F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Besides risk assessment, being aware of the warning signs of stroke is of utmost importance. The acronym F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember common stroke symptoms:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
Other signs can include sudden numbness or weakness in the legs, sudden confusion, trouble seeing, severe headache, and difficulty walking.
Dr Shah recommends calling emergency services immediately, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. He says, “Early intervention can make a significant difference in stroke outcomes.”
5 Stroke Prevention Strategies
There are many ways to manage your risk factors and to prevent an occurrence of stroke. These include:
Blood Pressure Management
High blood pressure, or hypertension is a leading risk factor for stroke. According to a study published in the AHA Journal, high blood pressure, which refers to a reading above 140/90 mm Hg, occurs in acute stroke in up to 75% of cases. Therefore, controlling blood pressure through medication, lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-sodium diet, exercising, stress reduction, and regular monitoring can significantly reduce stroke risk.
Quitting Smoking
As is known, smoking causes major damage to blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots, making it a major contributor to stroke. In fact, smoking raises the risk of stroke by three to fourfold, as per a study published in the Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy. Quitting smoking is the way forward for those who smoke and are at risk of stroke.
Healthy Diet And Weight Control
According to Dr Shah, maintaining a balanced diet, which is low in saturated fats, salt, and processed foods, can help control weight and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots, which in turn leads to a stroke.
Regular Exercise
Daily exercise is key in stroke risk management. Physical activity improves circulation, helps manage weight, and lowers the risk of conditions like diabetes, all of which are leading risk factors of the condition. “Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week,” Dr Shah advises.
Diabetes Management
Most of our bodily functions are interconnected. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage blood vessels, which can influence our risk of a stroke. Therefore, managing diabetes through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is crucial for stroke prevention.
Conclusion
The thought of having a stroke can be terrifying. More so because it is so prevalent. But the good news is that it is preventable with easy lifestyle changes and disease monitoring. Assess your risk factors, educate yourself about the warning signs, and take all the necessary measures to prevent the disease.
