Risk Factors For Having A Stroke

Strokes are a sudden illness that always require immediate medical attention to lessen the chances of permanent damage to a victim. They occur when oxygen and nutrients fail to reach the brain cells due to a blockage in blood supply, causing cells to die. Depending on which parts of the brain blood flow is interrupted to and for how long, function can be severely impaired in a patient. Without quick care and treatment strokes can lead to brain death. Strokes are classified into two major categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot forms in either an artery leading directly to the brain and restricts blood supply (thrombotic stroke) or when a blood clot from elsewhere in the body is pumped through arteries
Lots of these risk factors come from poor lifestyle habits that can be corrected to lessen a person’s chance of having a stroke. Being overweight, lacking proper physical exercise, poor diet, and the use of recreational drugs can all increase the chance of a stroke, especially at a younger age than normal. Other factors that contribute to a person’s chance for having a stroke lie in medical conditions such as naturally high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and even sickle cell diseases. Strokes are most common in elderly people and more prevalent in men, and while the rate of strokes has greatly been decreasing over the last few decades, preventative measures can be taken to reduce even further the chances that a person will experience a stroke. Most of these preventative measures encompass basic healthy living: eating and exercising right, maintaing a healthy weight, and limiting the intake of alcohol or tobacco products. If other conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes are present, properly managing these conditions or taking medications can lower the risk of an eventual stroke. If in the event that a stroke does occur, quick action on the part of bystanders can increase the chances of survival and decrease lasting damage to brain tissue. A common acronym used to recognize the signs of a stroke in first aid is FAST: Face
To help the victim while waiting for help to arrive, have her lie down with her head and shoulders slightly raised as by a pillow. Loosen any restrictive clothing and keep the victim warm and comfortable until further care arrives. Because of the nature of the sudden illness, it will be unlikely that the patient can answer SAMPLE question, but if possible, any information that can be noted before paramedics arrive could be very helpful. Remember to comfort the person with words too, as stress in a scary situation can only worsen a situation. It may be necessary to tilt the patient’s head to allow drool or vomit to flow out of the mouth. In the event that the patient is unresponsive yet still breathing, place her in the recovery position. When EMS arrives the paramedics can be informed of the time of the stroke, the signs presented, and what care has been taken for the patient thus