Stroke is a medical condition that occurs suddenly and can seriously threaten a person's life. Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or cut off, causing damage to brain cells due to a lack of oxygen and necessary nutrients. This disease does not depend on age and can attack anyone, from children to adults, and even elderly people. Strokes can occur in two main forms:
- Ischemic Stroke
This is the most common type of stroke. This stroke occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain are blocked by blood clots or fatty plaques. This stops blood flow to part of the brain, and brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen. These strokes account for approximately 80% of all stroke cases.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding within the brain. This can occur due to high blood pressure or an aneurysm (widening of a blood vessel). Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but tend to be more serious. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, as well as a family history of strokes. In addition, unhealthy lifestyles, such as foods high in fat and sugar, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption, can also increase the risk of stroke.
Are you aware that stroke is a disease that is triggered by the habits of the sufferer? The following is information on habits that can increase the risk of stroke.
1. Smoking
Smoking is one of the main risk factors for stroke. Cigarettes contain toxic substances that can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Cigarette smoke contains around 4,000 dangerous chemical compounds. In the bloodstream, these chemical compounds spread throughout the body, causing changes and damage and affecting the body's physiological functions. These changes, in turn, can increase the risk of stroke.
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
One of the causes of stroke is excessive drinking of alcohol which can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of blood clots. The habit of drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stroke through several mechanisms that have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system and brain. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of forming blood clots, which can block blood flow to the brain.
3. Lack of physical activity
An inactive lifestyle can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which can cause stroke. Try to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day to avoid stroke by just walking or doing leisurely workout easy at home with family and loved ones.
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High blood pressure is one of the causes of stroke. The habit of eating foods high in salt can also increase blood pressure so that hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of blood clots.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of blood clots, and ultimately causing stroke. Manage diabetes well through medical care and a healthy lifestyle.
6. Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of stroke because it is associated with other risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. Maintain a healthy weight by eating controlled portions and getting enough physical activity.
7. Lack of stress control
Uncontrolled stress can affect blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. You can do several things to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, or therapy accompanied by a professional to help prevent the risk of stroke.
8. Not having regular health checks
Check your health regularly Regularly can help detect and treat risk factors for stroke early. Don't ignore visits to your doctor. Avoiding or changing these habits can greatly help reduce the risk of stroke.
That is some information about habits that can increase the risk of stroke. Before you experience it, it would be better if you prevent stroke by reducing and eliminating the habits above. You can also consult a medical professional EMC Hospital to get more specific information and guidance from us and tailored to your health needs. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is an important step to maintain your brain and heart health and prevent stroke.
Article written by Dr. Rineke Twistixa Arandita, Sp.N (Neurology / Neurology Specialist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).