Stroke: risk factors and symptoms

Stroke is a sudden neurological syndrome which consists of a hemorrhage or loss of blood circulation in the brain.

When the blood supply does not reach the brain correctly, brain tissue dies. This results in a neurological deficit that can cause disability or death.

Actually, the term apoplexy refers simply to bleeding or blood disruption in any organ. In this way, there are numerous strokes depending on the organ that they refer. However, when the word is used alone usually refers to a stroke.

The prevalence of stroke is high, especially in elderly people. Therefore, it is important to know their symptoms and their risk factors.

What does apoplexy mean?

Currently, the terms of stroke, stroke and stroke are often used as synonyms. However, there are certain differences:

• Stroke or cerebral infarction. It is a cessation of blood flow in the brain.
  • First, it may be caused by an obstruction in one of the blood vessels that supply the brain (ischemia). This is usually related to atherosclerosis problems.
  • On the other hand, may be due to intracerebral hemorrhage. It is then called a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Stroke is an old term. It was used to call the suspension of some brain function. There is a functional stroke in which there are no structural alterations in the brain, as they occur in stroke; only similar symptoms occur, but without underlying anomalies.

Risk factors for stroke

There are numerous risk factors for stroke. On the one hand, there are the non-modifiable risk factors, which include age, sex or family history.

After age 55, the risk of suffering from it is doubled with every 10 years that pass. Further, there is a greater incidence in men than in women. It should also be noted that if a family member has suffered a stroke, it increases the possibility of it happening.

On the other hand, there are numerous factors that are modifiable:

• Arterial hypertension. It is the most frequent vascular disorder and its incidence also increases with age. The normal blood pressure figures are 130/80 mmHg. We must limit salt intake to 2 grams a day to better control our blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
• Smoke. Tobacco has been linked to a direct harmful effect on the arteries.
• Cholesterol. Cholesterol levels above 200 mg / dL are associated with atherosclerosis problems and with an increased risk of arterial obstruction. Therefore, it is essential to take care of the diet and reduce the consumption of fats, especially saturated fats.
• Sedentary. It is recommended, as a minimum, to walk half an hour a day, five days a week.
• Stress It is also an important cardiovascular risk factor.

The diabetes It is also considered determinant, just like having previously suffered a cardiovascular disease.

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Symptoms of stroke

The symptoms they vary depending on the affected brain area. They can be sensory, motor or mixed. The most common are:

• Dysarthria It consists of one difficulty speaking or understanding language.
• Hemiparesis and hemiplegia. It is the loss of strength or paralysis in the arm and leg on the same side of the body and a part of the face.
• Balance and coordination problems. There is also dizziness.
• Difficulty walking
• Sudden and intense headache. It can be accompanied by loss of vision.

However, there are situations in which the painting is of low intensity and duration and goes unnoticed. You can study only with subtle muscular weakness, small episodes of amnesia or disorientation.

If any of these symptoms occurs, it is important to go to the emergency room. Stroke is a time-dependent pathology that must be treated as soon as possible.

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In conclusion

In the face of a stroke, it is vital to go early to a hospital center to establish the treatment as soon as possible, since, during the first hours, it is easier to recover the affected cerebral functions.