"Love your heart, help your brain"

Hello readers,

In today’s blog post, we will be addressing strokes: a cerebrovascular disease.

Cerebrovascular diseases can be deadly as they affect the most vital organs in our body which are the brain and the heart.

What is a stroke?

In simple terms, a stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain or part of the brain is interrupted or considerably reduced. This complication stops the brain tissue from getting oxygen and other essential nutrients. In a matter of minutes, brain cells begin to die which often causes permanent damage to the affected person. The blood supply to the brain must be quickly and carefully restored. Strokes are considered as a medical emergency as once the brain cells die, they never regenerate.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of a stroke are trouble speaking, trouble walking, trouble seeing, paralysis or numbness in the face or the limbs, headaches and dizziness.

Remember, if you notice any of these symptoms act “FAST” (see picture below) and call 911.

What causes strokes?

Strokes are classified into three categories. They all occur for slightly different reasons but eventually have the same consequences.

1. The first type of stroke is the ischemic stroke.

This is the most common type of stroke. It is caused by the narrowing or obstruction of the brain’s blood vessels. Blood flow is severely reduced or completely stopped. The blockage is usually caused by fatty deposits in blood vessels, resulting from an unhealthy diet, or blood clots. Sometimes, foreign debris can deposit in blood vessels but that is very unlikely.

2. The second type of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke. This results from the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Many factors can cause bleeding in the brain such as:

• High Blood Pressure

• Aneurysms

• Overuse of anticoagulants

• Protein deposits in blood vessel also known as Cerebral amyloid antipathy

• Trauma

• An Ischemic stroke that causes a hemorrhage

The third type of stroke is the Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Transient ischemic attacks are often known as mini-strokes. These are temporary strokes. They have the same symptoms as an ischemic stroke but do not cause much damage. Blood vessels get clogged by blood clots or other debris. Its effects generally last fewer than 24 hours.

However, it is very important to seek medical care even if you feel fine. Blood vessels might still be obstructed. TIAs can also increase the risk of full stroke later in life.

How to prevent strokes?

Strokes can sound very scary but there are many way to protect ourselves.

• Maintain a blood pressure of 120/80

To achieve this:

- Reduce you consumption of salt ( ~1500mg per day)

- Avoid saturated fats and increase polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

- Eats 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day, a serving of fish twice a week, whole grains and low fat dairy products.

- Exercise at least 30 minutes everyday.

- Quit smoking

• Keep a healthy weight

• Exercise frequently ( take walks, use the stairs, do a workout, etc.)

• Consume alcohol in moderation

• If you have atrial fibrillation, get it treated as soon as possible

• If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), get it treated as soon as possible

• If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor

• DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking promotes clot formation and plaque build up in the circulatory system.

• Avoid illegal drugs

For more specifics, consult:

So, this concludes today’s post on strokes.

Feel free to watch the short video linked below for more information and clarity on the subject (though I really hope you do watch it because I LOVE these mini-documentaries ! XD)

Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section. And, if you have any questions, DEFINITELY ASK, because your knowledge can save a life.

Don’t forget to wear a mask around others and to stay safe!

See you next time.

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This October is the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. This complication still affects so many in the world and is one of the leading cause of death. Learn more about SCA at https://emergencycare.hsi.com/blog/sudden-cardiac-arrest-awareness-month-2020

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Work Cited

Mayo clinic [Internet].08/08/20. Mayo clinic staff; [updated 2020 Aug 08; cited 2020 October 8]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113