"Winter not only brings beautiful scenery covered in snow, but also quietly increases the hidden health risks. Did you know?While we are enjoying the warmth of winter, this season is the 'high incidence period' of stroke. At this time of year, the number of neurology outpatient clinics in hospitals increases, and many otherwise healthy people are suddenly at risk of stroke. Why is winter the season for stroke?More importantly, how can we detect the signs of disease early in this cold season and protect the health of ourselves and our families?
The cold of winter not only makes us feel the cold wind of frozen bones, but it also secretly affects the health of our blood vessels. When the temperature drops, our blood vessels naturally constrict, and blood pressure rises as a result, increasing the risk of stroke. Statistics show that in winter, the incidence of stroke has a clear upward trend compared with other seasons. This is not alarmist, but a health warning that requires our attention.
Stroke, medically known as cerebrovascular accident, is a sudden brain disease caused by an abnormality (blockage or rupture) of a blood vessel in the brain. It is divided into two main categories: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, caused by obstruction of cerebral blood vessels, is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, which is less common but usually more severe.
Risk factors for stroke are varied, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure (increased blood pressure in systemic arteries), abnormal glucose metabolism (often referred to as diabetes), high cholesterol, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and physical inactivity. Genetics and age also affect the risk of stroke, especially as you age. In addition, heart disease, such as atrial fibrillation, is also an important risk factor.
Understanding stroke is not only about being alert to the condition, but more importantly about learning about prevention and early detection. Small life changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and having regular medical check-ups, are all effective ways to prevent stroke. For example, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels is particularly critical to preventing ischemic stroke.
It is also important to know the early signs of stroke. These signs may include sudden speech disturbances, weakness or numbness on one side, sudden vision loss, headaches, dizziness or difficulty coordination, among others. Being aware of these signals and seeking medical help quickly can greatly reduce the severity of a stroke and may even save lives.
Staying Warm: Tips for Protecting Against the Cold
In winter, the cold environment causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke。For this, it is essential to maintain body temperature. It is advisable to wear layers of light clothing to keep warm, with particular attention to the head, neck and feet. Use proper heating equipment indoors and avoid overheating or underheating.
Healthy eating: A nutritional bonus in winter
Diet plays an important role in stroke prevention. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., deep-sea fish), high in fiber (e.g., whole grains, legumes), and antioxidants (e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables) in winter. These foods help maintain arterial health and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-salt, high-fat, and processed foods to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Moderate exercise: a source of vitality in winter
Winter should not be an obstacle to sports. Moderate physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure, and enhance heart function. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga. When exercising outdoors, you should pay attention to keeping warm and safe to prevent slipping.
Managing chronic illness: winter key
Hypertension and abnormal glucose metabolism are major risk factors for stroke. In winter, these indicators should be closely monitored and the recommendations of the doctor should be strictly followed. Check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they're within safe limits. In addition, take antihypertensive drugs and drugs that regulate glucose metabolism in time to reduce the risk.
Stroke, a common disease of the blood vessels in the brain, often comes on suddenly, but there are often some early signs before it happens. Correctly identifying these signals can lead to timely action, potentially saving lives or mitigating consequences.
Rapid test method: "fast" principle
F (face): Facial drooping. Watch for muscle weakness on one side of the face, causing facial asymmetry.
A (arms): arm weakness. When you raise your arms, you can't keep one arm level or don't hang down.
s (speech): Speech is slurred. Speech is slurred, slurred or slurred.
t (time): Seek medical attention in a timely manner. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms.
Other warning signs.
Sudden headache: A severe headache with no apparent cause.
Vision problems: blurred vision, loss of visual field, or double vision in both eyes.
Coordination disorders: difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.
Paresthesias: Numbness or tingling sensation in the face, arms, or legs.
Confusion: Confusion or loss of consciousness.
The importance of recognizing these signals is that they are often the first signs of abnormal blood flow to the brain. Timely recognition and response can not only buy precious time for patients, but also significantly reduce the serious consequences caused by stroke.
In addition, high-risk groups are reminded to pay special attention to these signs and have regular professional health check-ups if they have a history of increased systemic arterial blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
When faced with an acute cerebrovascular disease called stroke, timely intervention and the right first aid measures can make the difference in life. Especially in the winter months, when the risk of stroke increases significantly, it is important to know how to respond quickly.
Identify signs: Use the "fast" test
"fast"It is the first standard of stroke first aid, which represents the face (face) drooping, arm (arms) weakness, speech (slurred), and time (time). This simple memory rule helps identify the key signs of stroke. When these symptoms occur, every minute counts and emergency services should be called immediately.
Identification of other warning signs
In addition to the "fast" criteria, there are other signs that may indicate the occurrence of a stroke, such as a sudden, severe headache, blurred vision, unsteady gait, or incoordination. These signs also require prompt medical intervention.
First aid: Before the ambulance arrives
While waiting for medical help, lie flat on the patient's back and elevate their head to reduce pressure inside the brain. It is important to keep the patient awake and avoid giving them food or water to avoid choking.
The importance of early diagnosis
Timely arrival at the hospital is critical for the survival and recovery of stroke patients. Hospitals can provide urgent imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, to determine the type and location of the stroke so that appropriate can be started quickly**.
Follow-up intervention: prevention of a second stroke
Once stabilized, the patient needs to receive professional training and appropriate medication to prevent a second stroke. Lifestyle modifications, such as improving eating habits, exercising regularly, and managing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and glucose metabolism, are also key to prevention.