Here, we discuss the greatest potential complications of stroke and the possible measures you can take to limit the impact.
Stroke is now considered the third biggest cause of death after heart disease and cancer—it is estimated that around 110,000 people in England suffer one every year. This life-threatening and life-altering condition occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off. Although older people—along with people who are Asian, African or Caribbean—are more at risk, strokes can happen at any age including in childhood and early adolescence. Here, we discuss the greatest potential complications of stroke and the possible measures you can take to limit the impact.
Genetic conditions
Conditions such as sickle cell disease—a disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells—can increase your risk of suffering a stroke as can other medical problems like vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels and a range of other bleeding disorders. Similarly if a close relative has had a stroke, or you have suffered one yourself, your risk of potential complications of stroke is likely to be higher.
Age and gender
Our risk of suffering a stroke increases as we get older—though at a younger age, men are significantly more at risk than women. Having said this, women are ultimately more likely to suffer from potential complications of stroke or die as a result—this is also exacerbated by birth control pills as high levels of oestrogen can lead to blood clots. According to the Stroke Association, women who have certain types of migraines are also at a slightly higher risk of suffering a stroke.
Heart disease
Heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation are all major risk factors for stroke as they can cause blood clots. According to the Stroke Foundation, a heart attack is also a strong indication that you could have potential complications of stroke sometime in the future.
Lifestyle choices
The way we choose to live our life has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. Taking up smoking, drinking too regularly and illegal drug use are all linked to an increased risk of stroke—as is a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet. Working on your health and making these simple changes can significantly lower your risk while also improving quality of life.
High cholesterol
Plaque buildup and high cholesterol can cause abnormal blood flow, clogging arteries and blood vessels. In order to be considered within healthy parameters, you should have a cholesterol reading of less than 200, a high density lipoprotein (HDL, also known as ‘good cholesterol’) reading above 40 and a low density lipoprotein (LDL, also known as ‘bad cholesterol’) reading of less than 100. The easiest way to bring cholesterol down is a diet high in grains, fruit, vegetables and foods low in saturated fat.
Diabetes
As diabetes causes circulatory problems in the body, it is one of the most common risk factors for stroke. This chronic condition also gives rise to other health complications such as heart disease and high blood pressure—all of which can also increase an individual’s chances of suffering a stroke.
Recognising the symptoms
The ‘FAST’ test allows people to quickly identify the signs of stroke
Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen to one side?
Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms and keep them in the air?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly or is their speech slurred?
Time: If you spot any of these signs, call 999
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