Stroke patients all have these habits. Everyone, never ignore
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Strokes usually affect one side of the brain and can cause permanent brain damage, disability and even dєαтн. Experts say your chances of having a stroke can depend on your lifestyle. Read on to find out more about these surprising habits that increase your risk of a stroke.
1. Consuming too much salt
This can raise your blood pressure to unhealthy levels and increase your risk of having a stroke because high blood pressure can damage and weaken your brain’s blood vessels, causing them to narrow, rupture, or leak. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can also cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain, which can block blood flow and potentially cause a stroke.
Besides notoriously high-sodium foods, you’ll also want to avoid sneakier culprits like canned soups and vegetables and bread. When in doubt, check the label. Try to stay under 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (and move toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 milligrams), according to the American Heart Association.
2. Excess Smoking
This not only damages your heart and respiratory system but also increases your stroke risk. According to specialists at John Hopkins Medicine, smoking almost doubles the chance of having an ischemic stroke.
3. Drinking alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and the risk for stroke. Besides, it increases levels of triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood that can harden your arteries, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “By making the arterial wall weak excessive alcohol use also increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke,” Dr Gupta says.
4. Eating too much red meat
A 2012 study published in Stroke reports that men who eat more than two servings of red meat a day have a 28 percent higher risk of stroke versus those who only eat a third of that amount per day. Fortunately, the researchers also found that by simply substituting one serving of red meat a day with chicken, turkey, and other alternatives, participants in the study were able to decrease their risk of stroke.
5. Physical inactivity
This can increase your blood pressure and create health problems that increase your chances of having a stroke like diabetes and weight gain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest adults get 2 hours and 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity each week to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
“Including regular physical activity into your lifestyle can really make a difference, taking a brisk walk a couple of times during the week is a great way to incorporate this,” adds Holzwart. “Physical activity can also curb weight gain.”
6. Insomnia or lack of sleep
Lack of sleep causes an increase in sympathetic hormones like catecholamines that elevate blood pressure and sugar leading to increased oxidative stress and vessel wall injury. A restful sleep restores good health.
7. Not drinking enough water
Dehydration can cause numerous health problems—including an increased risk of stroke. According to a 2019 study that was published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology evaluated 203 patients who had suffered from either an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The research found that dehydration was detected in nine percent of patients either at the time they were admitted to the hospital or three days after they had the stroke.
Patients who were dehydrated at either time had slower, less successful recoveries, especially women and older patients. In short: Stay hydrated to decrease your risk of stroke and increase your odds of a speedy recovery if you do wind up having one.
8. Ignoring stress
More so than ever, researchers are learning that an inability to manage stress can lead to a plethora of health problems, including stroke. A 2001 study by the University of Michigan found that men who were more physiologically reactive to stress were 72 percent more likely to suffer from a stroke in their lifetime. So, in order to avoid putting yourself at risk, it might pay off to finally try that meditation class or find other outlets to create a sense of calm in your life.
Sources: careinsurance.com, hindustantimes.com, bestlifeonline.com, ahchealthenews.com
