Despite advances in its treatment, stroke remains important as a health problem that requires urgent intervention all over the world. According to statistics, stroke, which occurs every 40 seconds in the world, is the first cause of disability and the second leading cause of death. Stroke is considered a social problem due to the distress it creates for both the patient and their relatives. Making a statement on the occasion of "May 10 World Stroke Prevention Day", Neurology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Nergiz Hüseyinoğlusays that although there are unchangeable risk factors such as age, gender or race, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of stroke and prevent possible loss of life by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking precautions against obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
In case of stroke, which affects thousands of people and their relatives every year all over the world, intervention in the first 3 hours is vital. Stroke occurs due to blockage or narrowing of the brain and the vessels leading to it, or bleeding within the brain tissue. Permanent damage occurs because the blockage or bleeding prevents the nutrition of brain cells. Neurology Specialist Assoc. Prof. states that the symptoms that appear in the body may vary depending on the brain area where the damage occurs. Dr. Nergiz Hüseyinoğlu explains that numbness on one side of the body, loss of strength, loss of balance, loss of vision, headache, dizziness, impaired consciousness or loss of consciousness are the first symptoms of a stroke. p>
Precautions should be taken against diabetes
Although it is not possible to intervene in unchangeable risk factors for stroke, the total risk can be reduced by being conscious and taking precautions against modifiable factors. While modifiable factors alone pose a threat to stroke, if seen together they cause the risk to double. Assoc. Prof. said that one of the best examples of this is diabetes. Dr. Nergiz Hüseyinoğlu said, “Diabetes is an important risk factor for stroke. However, the risk of stroke increases if it is experienced together with other risk factors. Therefore, taking the necessary precautions against diabetes reduces the risk of stroke. "It is also important in reducing the In addition, obesity, fat in the abdomen and neck area, and high cholesterol are among the factors that predispose to stroke.
Hypertension control is very important
Modifiable risk for stroke. One of the leading factors is hypertension. Assoc. Prof. points out that the risk of stroke can be prevented by 35-45 percent by keeping blood pressure under control. Dr. Nergiz Hüseyinoğlu says, "According to scientific studies, blood pressure must be kept below 140/90 to prevent stroke."
It is necessary to quit smoking
Smoking Assoc. Prof. stated that the risk of stroke doubles compared to non-smokers. Dr. Nergis Hüseyinoğlu points out that the risk increases with the addition of other factors and continues as follows: “For example, if women who use birth control pills also smoke, the risk of cerebral vascular occlusion increases 7 times and the risk of cerebral hemorrhage increases approximately 4 times. Apart from this, exposure to cigarette smoke can also increase heart rate, arteriosclerosis and blood clotting, which can lead to stroke.” Assoc. Dr. According to the information given by Nergiz Hüseyinoğlu, although the risk decreases after quitting smoking, it does not completely disappear. For this reason, the most effective way of protection is shown to be absolutely not smoking and not being exposed to cigarette smoke.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits should be avoided
The serious consequences of stroke Hüseyinoğlu said that although stroke can be treated if it is intervened early, “It is possible to prevent stroke with small changes in lifestyle. "Scientific studies have proven that low fat consumption, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regular and adequate physical activity reduce the risk of stroke."
The risk of stroke increases with age
Hüseyinoğlu, who says that the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years over the age of 55 and therefore age is one of the unchangeable risk factors, gives the following information about unchangeable risk factors: “Another important factor is gender. The risk of stroke is higher in men than in women It is known that there are few. However, it is observed that the risk is increased in women between the ages of 35 and 44 who are pregnant or use birth control pills compared to women in the normal population. Scientific studies show that the risk of stroke increases if there is a family history of stroke or a genetic predisposition. For example, family members with genetic defects in various clotting factors may experience a stroke even at an early age.”
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