The world observed World Stroke Day on October 29. The day is focused on spreading awareness of stroke symptoms with a campaign that aims to highlight what can be saved if we all know the signs of stroke. The World Health Organization states one in four people are at risk of stroke in their lifetime, and is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. It prevents brain tissue from receiving vital nutrients and oxygen causing the cells to die. Dr PK Hazra, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, AMRI, Kolkata, was quoted in a report as saying, “Several factors can increase a person’s chance of stroke including being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, heavy drinking, use of drugs, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular diseases such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure and family history of stroke. Other factors like age, race, gender, and hormones also become causes of stroke at times.”
A person’s lifestyle choices and habits may impact their risk of stroke. There are certain habits that may be increasing your chances of getting a stroke.
High-salt diet: People who consume a high-salt diet or diets rich in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol are at high risk of stroke and heart disease. Eating a lot of packaged and canned stuff can increase stroke risk due to high salt and nitrate preservatives. Managing salt intake can reduce stroke risk by 30 per cent.
Inactive lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are prominent stroke risk factors. They cause an increase in other health conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes which further increase the risk of stroke. Regular physical activity can lower your chances of stroke.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and the risk for stroke. It also increases levels of triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood that can harden your arteries.
Smoking / tobacco consumption: This is the major lifestyle risk factor for stroke. Cigarette smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk for stroke. The nicotine in cigarettes raises blood pressure, and the carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry.
