The formula for stroke prevention has been revealed
Nearly 200,000 stroke cases occur in Turkey every year. Neurologist Nigar Ahmadova has explained the formula for stroke prevention in 6 points.
İHA
Neurologist Nigar Ahmadova stated that 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke (paralysis) each year, and among these patients, 5 million lose their lives due to stroke, while an equal number are left with permanent disabilities.
Stating that everyone should take personal responsibility against such a life-threatening disease and fight against "modifiable risk factors," Specialist Dr. Ahmadova said, "The more we remove modifiable risk factors from our lives, the more we build our shield against stroke. As with many diseases, there are precautions we can take against stroke."
Acıbadem Kent Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Nigar Ahmadova issued warnings regarding stroke, which is one of the cerebrovascular diseases that causes the most functional loss, impairs quality of life, and is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
RISK FACTORS LEADING TO STROKE ARE GROUPED INTO THREE CATEGORIES
Stating that October 29 has been declared "World Stroke Day" to raise awareness about this disease, Dr. Ahmadova reminded that a stroke is caused by the blockage or bleeding of one of the vessels feeding the brain. Explaining that risk factors leading to stroke are grouped into three categories, Dr. Ahmadova said:
“The first of these are risk factors we cannot change, which include age (stroke risk increases with age), gender (men are at higher risk than women), and racial and familial characteristics (having a family history of heart and cerebrovascular diseases). The 2nd group includes risk factors that can be changed through medication. The 3rd group consists of risk factors that can be prevented by changing one's lifestyle.
We can list these as hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, smoking and alcohol use, physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and obesity. In fact, to protect against many brain and vascular diseases, including stroke, proper dietary habits should be acquired from childhood.
It is necessary to stay away from serious risk factors such as smoking and alcohol. Sometimes our patients comfort themselves by saying, 'I smoke very little, just 3-5 cigarettes a day.' However, even a single cigarette is a serious risk factor for vascular diseases. Alcohol is included in this as well. We cannot change some risk factors. But if we change the ones that can be changed, we will be protected from the disease.”
Dr. Ahmadova listed the things that should be done not only to prevent stroke but for a healthy life as follows:
1) Eat healthily.
2) Take a brisk walk at least 3 days a week.
3) Stay away from bad habits such as alcohol and smoking.
4) If you have Diabetes Mellitus, follow a diet and use your medication regularly.
5) If you have diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart rhythm disorders, go for regular cardiologist check-ups.
6) Ensure that your daily blood pressure values are not higher than 140/90 mmHg, 7) Get regular sleep.
On the other hand, Dr. Ahmadova said that in the event of facial asymmetry, weakness in an arm or leg (or the same side arm and leg), or the development of speech impairment, 112 should be called immediately.