Stroke is a condition of disrupted brain function due to blockage or even rupture of blood vessels in the brain. The prevalence of stroke in Indonesia at the age of 40-60 years. This disease cannot be considered light, because it can cause paralysis and even death. Generally, the elderly are prone to stroke due to an unhealthy lifestyle when they are young and suffer from diseases that increase the risk of stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and so on.
Are young people prone to stroke?
Even so, stroke does not only stalk the health of the elderly. People who are young or who are still productive have the potential to experience a stroke, but they only underestimate it. They feel they are still healthy so they tend to ignore the risk of having a stroke.
In fact, one of the causes of stroke is obesity or being overweight. This condition can cause hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even heart disease which increases the risk of stroke. This cannot be taken lightly because it can lead to death at a young age.
What should be done to prevent stroke at a young age?
Young people are expected to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent stroke. Here are ways you can do to prevent stroke at a young age:
- Lowering Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease that increases the risk of stroke. However, you can avoid it by reducing your salt intake (no more than 1,500 mg/day), avoiding foods high in saturated fat such as red meat, regularly consuming fruits and vegetables every day, exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, and stopping smoking. - Lose weight
In addition to hypertension, obesity has the potential to cause a stroke. Losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce your risk of stroke if you are overweight.
However, avoid going on a random diet. Don't let the diet you do lead to disaster for your health due to lack of nutrition. You can consult with your doctor first to find out the appropriate diet program. - Treat Diabetes
The cause of diabetes is high blood sugar, which can cause blood clots to form. This condition can damage blood vessels slowly. To treat diabetes, remember to monitor blood sugar regularly. In addition, comply with the doctor's directions by adjusting your diet, exercising, and taking drugs. - Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Consuming more than two glasses of alcohol per day can increase the risk of stroke. Reporting to a genetic study published in The Lancet, consuming a glass or two of alcoholic beverages every day can increase the risk of stroke by 10-15 percent.
If you consume four glasses of alcoholic beverages every day, then the risk of stroke increases by 35 percent. As a result, the higher the alcohol consumption, the greater the risk of stroke.
So, make sure your daily alcohol consumption does not exceed the limit, which is no more than one glass per day. - Stop Smoking Habits
Smoking is closely related to serious heart diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Allan Hackshaw, a researcher from University College London, explained that smoking causes problems with blood flow to the brain and accelerates the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, causing strokes. Scary, right?
Quitting smoking can be said to be the most significant lifestyle change to prevent the risk of stroke. Of course, this must also be balanced with regular exercise and a healthy diet. - Avoid fast food
Fast food contains a lot of high levels of salt and excess oil which must be avoided because this content is not good if there is too much in the body.
While still young, preventing stroke is important so you won't regret it later. Running a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and stopping smoking are things you can do early on to prevent strokes. In addition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor if you need help and treatment.
The article was written by dr. Irene Halim Subrata, Sp.N (Neurologist Specialist at EMC Cikarang & Pekayon Hospital).