In a previous issue, the signs of a stroke were discussed. Here are more signs to look out for.
Warning Signs of a Stroke
If you suddenly notice even one of the indicators below, go to the emergency or to a hospital with neurosurgeons or nerve specialists immediately. The sooner you receive diagnosis and treatment, the higher the chances of saving your life and you will suffer less serious after-effects.
- Numbness in the arms or legs or a sudden onslaught of weakness. Should these signs occur on one side of the body, whether the left or right, extreme care must be taken.
- A sudden slurring of speech and the inability to form words, or inability to comprehend what someone is saying.
- Out of the blue, you lose sight from one eye or even both eyes or vision is impaired.
- Strong dizziness, inability to walk, or walking becomes very hard unexpectedly.
- There’s a sudden attack of painful headaches.
Checklist for Strokes
The following are high risk factors. The first four are things beyond one’s control, and the ones below that are things which you can control. With care, you can decrease your risk.
- Advanced age: Two-thirds of stroke victims are seniors over age 65.
- Male: Men have a much higher risk than women of having a stroke, except in the case of subarachnoid hemorrhage where women run greater risks.
- Genetics: If someone in your family went through a stroke, your risk is higher.
- Diabetes: Even if one controls one’s blood sugar level, the rate of a stroke remains high.
- High blood pressure. People with HBP run four to six times higher risk than those with lower blood pressure. By lowering the BP, the risk can be reduced.
- Heart disease. Arrhythmia and valvular heart disease are definite risk factors so maintenance via heart treatment is important.
- Atherosclerosis and being overweight. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is a high risk factor for stroke and being overweight advances atherosclerosis.
- High cholesterol. People with high cholesterol are at high risk for atherosclerosis, so one needs to maintain a good cholesterol level.
- Prior incident of a stroke. The risk of a person having a stroke increases with one’s prior history, so it’s important to continue preventive measures.
- Too much red blood cells. When there is a excess of red blood cells, the likelihood of thrombus (blood clot) formation is greater, so one needs to take in sufficient amounts of liquid to thin out the blood.
- Smoking. Smokers have twice the stroke risk factor compared to non-smokers.
- Over drinking. Chronic indulgence is a huge risk factor. It’s important to keep it under control.
Next issue: The anatomy of a stroke.
(The information provided should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Consult your physician before attempting any new program. Readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of developing serious medical conditions.)
