“The Lifestyle Habits That Can Deteriorate Cerebral Blood Vessels and Increase Stroke Risk”

In recent years, the number of patients with vascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease has increased significantly. In particular, stroke accounts for 70 to 80% of cases of cerebral infarction, in which blood vessels are clogged, compared to cerebral hemorrhages, in which blood vessels in the brain burst. Brain tissue is not easy to recover once it has fallen into necrosis due to a stroke. It can endanger life and cause paralysis of the body, language disorder, and cognitive decline. Let’s find out about lifestyle habits that cause cerebral blood vessels to deteriorate.

◆ Decreased cognitive function even after surviving a stroke… early detection important

Research has shown that up to 60% of stroke survivors show cognitive decline within one year. In the latest issue of ‘Stroke’, an international journal of the American Stroke Association (ASA), a thesis that cognitive decline most often occurs within 2 weeks of stroke and cognitive impairment that can affect quality of life appears within 1 year published

Stroke cognitive impairment can affect daily life such as memory, thinking ability, language function, and attention. Early detection of early cognitive decline after stroke is very important. This is because you can quickly create a treatment plan. It is also important for patients to track and evaluate changes in cognitive function over time.

◆ What is your worst lifestyle?

1) From high blood pressure to smoking… Avoid secondhand smoke

Cigarette smoking is the worst lifestyle for people with high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke. Hypertension is the most prevalent stroke risk factor. Lifestyle changes (weight loss, low-fat, low-salt diet, exercise, sobriety, smoking cessation) are recommended for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Smoking is an important independent risk factor for cerebral infarction because it can form blood clots and narrow blood vessels. Secondhand smoke should also be avoided.

2) Diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, etc. must be managed well

Diabetes mellitus accompanies 15-33% of stroke patients and is an important predictor of stroke recurrence. In the case of cerebral infarction caused by atrial fibrillation, in which the heart vibrates thinly, the scope of brain damage is wide and severe neurological disorders are caused. Hyperlipidemia (dyslipidemia) is also a major factor that increases the risk of stroke.

3) If you eat fruits and vegetables often… Why is it good for stroke prevention?

Eating fruits and vegetables with lots of dietary fiber, which reduces triglycerides in blood vessels, can help prevent stroke. Potassium also contributes to the excretion of sodium accumulated in salty foods. It is also effective in regulating blood pressure and preventing obesity. You should increase your intake of low-fat dairy products (low-fat milk, yogurt, etc.) and eat less saturated fats such as meat fat and snacks.

However, it is wrong to say that stroke patients should avoid meat. The most important eating habit for stroke prevention-management is to eat a well-balanced meal including moderate meat. Exercise can help prevent stroke by lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and losing weight. If you are overweight or obese, it is a good idea to actively lose weight.

◆ What are the main symptoms of a stroke?… paralysis of one side of the body

The main symptoms that can occur after a stroke are 1) Paralysis on one side of the body (numbness or weakness on one side of the face and limbs) 2) Difficulty understanding what others are saying or difficulty speaking 3) Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes 4) Difficulty controlling limb movement or dizziness and loss of balance 5) If any of these symptoms suddenly appear, you should quickly call 911 and go to the emergency room.