Stroke, also known as stroke or cerebrovascular accident, is a condition in which a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or ruptured. It causes millions of deaths and disabilities each year and is a major health threat worldwide. In China, the morbidity and mortality of stroke are also high, with about 2 million people falling ill each year, of which 40% die and 60% are left with permanent disability.
Risk factors for stroke include uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, genetics, and ethnicity, as well as controllable factors such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and mental stress. These factors can be prevented or controlled by lifestyle changes and medications.
How to prevent stroke?
Effective ways to prevent stroke include eating a reasonable diet, exercising moderately, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining mental balance, and regular physical examinations.
1.A reasonable diet should follow the principle of "three lows and two highs", that is, low salt, low oil, low sugar, high fiber, and high vitamin. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less animal offal, fatty meats, fried and processed foods, etc. It is also very important to control sodium intake, which should not exceed 5 grams per day.
2.Moderate exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and improve blood circulation and metabolism. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week is a good goal, such as walking, jogging, cycling, etc. At the same time, overexertion and sudden cessation of exercise should be avoided.
3.Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important steps in preventing stroke. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict and become inflamed, increasing blood viscosity and oxygen demand. Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to increased blood pressure and arrhythmias. It is very necessary to quit smoking or reduce the amount of cigarettes smoked while limiting your daily alcohol intake.
4.Maintaining mental balance is also very important to prevent stroke. Mental stress, mood swings, and anxiety and depression can all affect the neuroendocrine system and autonomic nervous system, increasing the risk of stroke. Therefore, it is important to maintain a good state of mind, learn to regulate your emotions, and avoid being overly excited or sad. Engaging in beneficial social activities and hobbies can also help maintain an optimistic and positive attitude towards life.
5.Regular check-ups are also a key measure to prevent stroke. This can help detect and control risk factors such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and heart disease in a timely manner. It is a good goal to have a comprehensive physical examination every year, which includes tests for items such as blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and electrocardiogram.
When a stroke occurs, a range of symptoms can occur, including limb weakness or numbness, speech impairment, visual problems, severe headaches, loss of balance and coordination, facial skewness, cognitive dysfunction, difficulty swallowing, and impaired consciousness. If you notice any or more of these symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly, call emergency services** immediately and take you to the hospital as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in stroke, and rapid diagnosis and timeliness can greatly reduce mortality and disability.
In addition to modern medicine, traditional Chinese medicine theories have also played an important role in stroke prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations such as Geqi Tongmai Granules are widely used in the first process. Its main ingredient, Pueraria lobata, has the effect of antispasmodic tube expansion, which helps to improve blood circulation in the brain; Astragalus has the effect of invigorating qi and strengthening immunity, which is helpful for the recovery of the patient's physique in the first stage.
In conclusion, stroke is a preventable disease. By improving lifestyle and controlling risk factors, as well as regular check-ups, the incidence and mortality of stroke can be effectively reduced. Let's take proactive steps to prevent stroke from now on and protect yourself and your family's health!