Heart attack and stroke are the two conditions that cause the highest number of recorded deaths worldwide. A stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain. Stroke can also occur due to bursting of blood vessels in the brain. Stroke can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or in severe cases, even death.
According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), every year more than 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke, out of which more than 50 lakh die.
World Stroke Day is celebrated every year on 29 October to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of increased risks of stroke and to ensure better care for stroke victims. Let us understand why the risk of stroke is increasing and what things can be kept in mind to prevent this problem.
Increased risk of stroke
Health experts say that due to many bad habits of our lifestyle, there can be a risk of stroke. Physical inactivity, and not getting enough physical activity, increase the risk of stroke along with other health conditions. Its risk increases further in people suffering from diseases like obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Studies show that making regular exercise a part of daily routine can reduce the risk of stroke.
Aim to exercise 30 minutes daily
Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight. It also reduces the risk of being overweight or obese, which are conditions that increase the risk of stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, people with belly fat are at higher risk of stroke. To avoid this risk, do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
A study in JAMA Network Open found that people who sat for 13 hours or more a day had a 44 percent higher risk of stroke.
Take care of the nutritional value of your diet
A healthy diet is very important for stroke prevention. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps keep the heart healthy. Foods containing olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health and may also reduce the risk of stroke. Research published in the Lancet in 2022 found that people who followed a nutritious eating pattern (low-fat diet) for seven years had a 26 percent lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
Increasing stress is also a big problem
Don't make the mistake of considering stress as just a mental health problem; it can have many physical side effects as well. It also increases your risk of stroke. According to research published in JAMA Network Open in 2022, people who experience more stress have a higher risk of stroke. Stressful situations can increase your blood pressure, which can lead to both heart attack and stroke.
