A stroke is the brain's equivalent of heart attack and it occurs when there is an issue in the flow of blood in the brain. Without proper blood supply, the cells in the brain may get deprived of oxygen and start to die. Unhealthy lifestyle might increase the risk of brain stroke.
To understand what unhealthy habits can lead to brain stroke, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Vipul Gupta, Chief - Neurointerventional Surgery & Co Chief Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital Gurugram.
Explaining what stroke is, Dr Gupta said, “A brain stroke, alternatively referred to as a cerebral stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can occur because of a blockage in an artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).”
Adding further he said, “There are various symptoms of strokes including weakness, paralysis, difficulty in speaking, and cognitive impairment.” Here is the list of habits that can increase the risk of brain stroke.
1. Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of major diseases and underlying conditions. Naturally, it is the contributor to doubling the risk of brain stroke. According to a study published in the National Institute of Health, Up to one-quarter of all strokes are directly attributable to cigarette smoking. This percentage can rise up to 50% for young adults admitted for a cryptogenic ischemic stroke. On this, Dr Gupta said, “Smoking damages blood vessels, resulting in plaque buildup and increased risk of blood clots, which can cause strokes.”
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
Similar to smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol is also a major cause of many underlying conditions and diseases, brain stroke being one of them. A study claims that heavy and regular drinking of alcohol can increase the risk of ischemic stroke. “Alcohol increases blood pressure and contributes to the formation of blood clots, increasing stroke risk,” Dr Gupta said, explaining the influence of alcohol.
3. Poor diet
Obnoxious eating habits can lead to problems like obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension and Dr Gupta says that all of these can increase the risk of getting strokes. Consuming high sodium, high-fats diets can cause the above mentioned health problems. Eating sugary foods, processed foods, fried items, junk food, aerated drinks and so on lead to weight gain and high cholesterol. It is essential to check on what you are consuming to keep yourself away from the risk of brain strokes.
4. Sedentary lifestyle
Nine-hour long corporate shifts glue you to your laptop screens and thus, you seldom move, only your fingers do on the keyboard. “Lack of physical activity contributes to obesity, hypertension, and poor circulation, increasing the likelihood of strokes,” Dr Gupta said. Yes, it is difficult to make time but at least 30 minutes of exercise before or after work is necessary to reduce your weight and become fit to decrease your risk of getting strokes.
5. Drug abuse
Dr Gupta said, “Certain drugs, like cocaine and amphetamines, can constrict blood vessels and raise the blood pressure, increasing stroke risk.”
Bottomline
Dr Gupta emphasised on leading a healthy lifestyle to keep yourself away from the risk of stroke. He said, “Managing underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol through medication and lifestyle changes is crucial. Regular medical check-ups for early detection and management of risk factors are also necessary.” Awareness regarding stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention if they occur is crucial for prompt treatment.