In the UK, a stroke occurs roughly every five minutes, making it one of the leading causes of death, according to the Stroke Association. This critical medical emergency happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, but four conditions not directly related to the brain could increase your risk of a stroke.
Strokes usually occur suddenly, with specific warning signs necessitating immediate 999 calls and prompt medical intervention, which is why it’s vital to understand your risk factors, preventative measures and early symptoms.
The first two conditions contribute to ischaemic strokes, which occur when narrowed, hardened or blocked arteries restrict blood flow to the brain. High blood pressure can also heighten the risk of haemorrhagic strokes, often known as brain bleed strokes, as the intense pressure can cause blood vessels to burst, resulting in less blood reaching the surrounding brain cells.
High blood sugar linked with diabetes can likewise cause your blood vessels to harden and gather fatty deposits which may lead to blood clots, potentially causing a stroke if they reach the brain.
Finally, atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of your heart don’t work properly, which can result in blood clots forming and the risk of one travelling to your brain and blocking blood flow. Monitoring these conditions can assist in reducing your stroke risk.
This might include measures such as medication or changes to your lifestyle.
Even without these conditions, there are additional steps you can take to lower your stroke risk. These include eating a balanced diet, cutting down on alcohol intake, not smoking and keeping physically active, according to BHF guidance.
To remember the symptoms and key signs of a stroke, most people use the acronym FAST:
- F – facial weakness
- A – arm weakness
- S – speech problems
- T – time to call 999
Some straightforward tests to identify if it’s a stroke include trying to raise both arms overhead, smiling and repeating a straightforward sentence. People experiencing a stroke frequently struggle with these actions as they may only manage to lift one arm or observe that portions of their face are drooping.
Speed is essential when responding to a stroke as millions of brain cells can be permanently damaged every minute without medical intervention. The sooner you get treatment, the better your prospects of recovering speech, mobility and other abilities.
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