Stroke is often considered a disease that only attacks the elderly, but in reality, stroke can also threaten young people. An unhealthy modern lifestyle, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and high stress levels, are the main factors that increase the risk of stroke at a productive age. This article will discuss how stroke can attack young people and what steps can be taken to prevent it.
Know the Causes of Stroke at a Young Age
Stroke can occur at a young age due to several risk factors that affect the health of blood vessels and the heart. Below are factors that can cause stroke at a young age:
- Cerebral vascular disorders
This type of brain blood vessel disorder can be in the form of an abnormality in the blood vessel wall (aneurysm) or the shape of the blood vessel.
- Heart disorders
Disorders that occur in the heart rhythm or leaking heart valves can result in the risk of clots (thrombus) forming which can cause blockages in blood vessels, one of which is the blood vessels in the brain.
- High blood pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain and cause blood vessels to burst or become blocked. High blood pressure conditions can be caused by stress, excessive salt consumption, lack of physical activity and genetic factors.
- Diabetes and High LDL Cholesterol
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood vessel blockages. In addition, the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels can also disrupt blood flow, potentially causing a stroke.
- Smoke
Long-term smoking habits are also a risk factor for blood vessel disorders due to the dangerous substances they contain.
- Genetic Factors
In addition, the cause of stroke at a young age can also be due to hereditary factors. If there is a history of stroke in a person's family, they will be at greater risk of having a stroke even though they are still young.
What Are Stroke Symptoms?
No different from the symptoms of stroke in general, both old and young will experience the same thing in the form of sudden brain dysfunction. Here are some symptoms of stroke and their explanations:
- Paralysis of One Side of the Body
One of the symptoms of stroke is marked by loss of motor function. Certain parts of the brain function to send signals to the motor nerves to control the movement of body parts. This function can be disrupted when the motor center in the brain experiences a lack of oxygen supply, causing some parts of the body to be unable to move.
- Difficulty Speaking
One of the signs of stroke is having difficulty speaking or pronouncing words clearly. Sometimes someone with this condition also has difficulty understanding other people's speech. At a more severe level, a person can even lose the ability to understand and speak.
- Numbness on one side of the body
Sudden numbness on one side of the body can also be a symptom of stroke. This occurs when the brain's blood flow is disrupted in the sensation (sensory) center of the brain.
- Lost Balance
The cerebellum condition that is responsible for maintaining body balance can also be affected by stroke. When the body loses balance it can cause dizziness or difficulty walking.
- Impaired Vision
Sudden loss of vision can be a sign of a stroke. A stroke that affects the part of the brain in the visual pathway can affect the brain in the visual process of what is seen or in certain conditions can also interfere with the coordination of the eyeball muscles, causing double/blurred vision.
- Headache
Stroke symptoms can also be marked by a sudden, very severe headache. This pain often occurs accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision, or a stiff neck. In some cases, this very severe headache can cause the sufferer to faint or lose consciousness.
Stroke Prevention Steps
Controlling risk factors is important to avoid the causes of stroke at a young or old age. Prevention of stroke at a young age can be started by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, and reducing fatty foods, high in sugar or high in salt which are very important for maintaining healthy blood vessels. To maintain heart health, you can exercise regularly for at least thirty minutes a day. Check with a doctor if you feel palpitations or chest discomfort. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, because both can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. If you often feel dizzy or have a headache, you should also check yourself for early detection.
In addition, managing stress well through relaxation or calming activities, as well as getting enough sleep, also helps keep the body healthy and prevents stroke at a young age. Routinely check your blood pressure, sugar levels and bad cholesterol, because hypertension, diabetes, and uncontrolled cholesterol levels can trigger stroke. You can also have regular health checks with your doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Let's start living healthy and avoid the risk of stroke at a young age for a prosperous future.
This article was written by Dr. Anastasia Maria Loho, Sp.N (Nerve Specialist / Neurology EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).