Strokes – How To Prevent Them. How To Not Get Another One

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You may have heard about someone you know having a stroke. While you know that sometimes the side effects of having a stroke can be devastating, what exactly is a stroke and how do you know if and when you are having one?

 

What exactly is a stroke?

A stroke has been likened to a cardiovascular problem and called a brain attack. It happens when the regular flow of blood to the brain gets cut off. In many cases, the cells around the brain die if they don’t receive oxygen fast enough or glucose so they can survive. If your stroke is caught right away you have a greater chance of surviving it. If not, you could end up with severe and permanent damage to your brain and you could even die.

The two types of strokes that occur are called an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke. The ischemic stroke is just like a heart attack except that it affects the brain. They involve blood clots, fatty deposits, and damage to the blood vessels around the brain.

The hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a ruptured blood vessel located in the brain ruptures or breaks. The brain cells become damaged when blood gets into the brain tissue as a result of an aneurysm or high blood pressure.

 

How do you know if you are having or had a stroke?

The following symptoms could mean you are having a stroke or recently had one:

  • One side of your body begins to feel numb or weak including your leg, arm, or face.
  • You are unable to talk, your speech is slurred, and you cannot understand what other people are saying to you.
  • You have trouble seeing – your vision has become dim or you are unable to see at all.
  • Many stroke sufferers suddenly feel a severe headache and do not know where the pain is coming from.
  • You may be unable to walk and you have no sense of balance.
  • Your face may tingle and become numb on one side and your mouth may begin to droop.
  • You do not know the answer to simple questions such as what year is it and who is the president of the United States.

If you feel any of these symptoms, head directly to the nearest hospital and check into their emergency room for medical attention.

 

How can you avoid having a stroke?

Here are some ways that you can try and avoid ever having a stroke or even prevent yourself from having another one. Many of these things are lifestyle changes, but they are the only way you could ever put off having a very serious condition such as a stroke.

1. Lose weight

Even just losing 10 pounds if you are overweight will help to lower you chances of having a stroke. Make sure you aim for a body mass index of no more than 25 or less if you can do it. You can lose weight by reducing your calorie intake to between 1,500 and 2,000 calories each day.

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