The expert told how to avoid stroke and keep blood vessels healthy

Stroke is an acute cerebral circulation disorder that damages nerve cells and remains one of the leading causes of disability and mortality in the world. About this correspondent sb.by told the head of the Department of information and methodical work of the Department of public health of the Minsk regional center of hygiene, epidemiology and public health Elena Loiko.

She added:

- However, most cases can be prevented if you systematically change your lifestyle and keep risk factors under control. There are two main types of stroke. Ischemic, which accounts for about 80-85% of cases, occurs due to a clot or narrowing of the vessel, disrupting the blood supply to the brain. Hemorrhagic is a rupture of a vessel and a hemorrhage in the brain. It is less common, but more often it is difficult. The consequences depend on the area and volume of the lesion: loss of speech, paralysis, visual impairment, cognitive and behavioral disorders are possible.

The FAST test helps to recognize a stroke, which saves lives if you act instantly:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile, facial asymmetry should alert;

A – Arms: Ask to raise both hands – a weakness or inability to lift and hold one is a wake-up call;

S – Speech: Ask to repeat the phrase, slurred speech is a sign of disaster;

T – Time: If any of these signs appear, call an ambulance immediately.

Also should be alarmed by a sudden severe headache, a sharp decrease in vision, dizziness with instability and confusion. If you suspect a stroke, call an ambulance immediately: every minute is important. While waiting, put the victim down, keep your head straight, don't give food and drink, don't leave one. Be sure to record the time of onset of symptoms - it is critical when deciding on thrombolytic therapy. Elena Loyko stressed:

- Among the main risk factors in the first place is hypertension - it contributes to 47.9 percent of cases. Even a small but constant increase in pressure increases the risk many times over, so the target level is 140/90 millimeters of mercury. Diabetes mellitus damages blood vessels and increases the risk by 2-4 times, especially in combination with hypertension. High “bad” cholesterol serves as the basis for atherosclerotic plaques that narrow arteries and can cause embolisms.

Smoking and alcohol abuse are toxic to blood vessels, provoke thrombosis and increase blood pressure. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke, and the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis increases up to four times. Overweight and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Chronic stress and fatigue cause pressure surges and arrhythmias. Age and heredity also play a role: the risk increases over the years. The combination of several weak factors creates a dangerous situation even in an apparently healthy person.

- Prevention is what really helps. First of all, monitor blood pressure: regularly measure it and consult a doctor when increasing, since pressure control dramatically reduces the risk of stroke, Elena Loyko said. Proper nutrition involves reducing salt and sugar to 5 grams per day, increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits and fish, eliminating trans fats and reducing animal fat. Use cholesterol-lowering foods: legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts. Increase in the diet foods that prevent fat oxidation: antioxidants protect fats and proteins in cells from oxidation and body tissue from damage.

Modern studies show that the consumption of physiological amounts of antioxidant vitamins reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Main sources: beta-carotene - green and yellow-orange vegetables and fruits (carrots, sweet peppers, cauliflower, zucchini, melons, peaches, lettuce, spinach, dill, parsley); vitamin C - citrus fruits, berries (especially black currant), melons, sweet peppers, cabbage and sauerkraut, tomatoes, potatoes; vitamin E - nuts, vegetable oil (sunflower, soy, corn, corn, olive leaf, green vegetables, cereal products.

Elena Loyko emphasized:

- Maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity are achieved by a balanced diet and movement. 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week (or 30-60 minutes per day) significantly reduces the risk. Stress management and daily routine include 7-8 hours of sleep, regular routine and relaxation techniques such as breathing, meditation, yoga. Controlling sugar and lipids requires checking glucose levels and lipid profiles. And one of the most effective steps is to stop smoking and limit alcohol. Neurologist told, after which infection the risk of stroke may increase