Unfortunately, ischemic strokes are more common in our society than one might think. That is why information is so important in order to prevent a cerebral ischemia. In Western countries, cerebrovascular disease is the third leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms, accounting for 10% of deaths. It is the leading cause of disability in adults and the second leading cause of dementia.
According to data from the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer a stroke every year; among them, 5.5 million die (10% of all deaths) and another five million are left with some form of permanent disability. Although it has a higher incidence in older age, a shift toward younger ages has been observed.
For this reason, information is crucial, and understanding the different risk factors of cerebral ischemia is essential to prevent a future ischemia.
Can a cerebral ischemia be prevented?
When there is a lack of blood flow in the brain, the entire body suddenly suffers, and most of the time, with significant consequences. But why does it happen? There are certain factors that predispose someone to it.
It usually occurs suddenly, but there are situations that can act as triggering factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, smoking, or prolonged stress.
Risk factors
Cerebral ischemia or stroke usually occurs suddenly. Some people are more predisposed than others to suffer from it, and that largely depends on their health condition and lifestyle. Here are some aspects to keep in mind to prevent a cerebral ischemia.
Monitor blood pressure
Hypertension is the most important risk factor. Having high blood pressure can increase the risk of suffering a cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage by up to five times.
Over time, high blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis to progress more rapidly and, as a result, lead to damage to the coronary arteries.
Cholesterol control
Cholesterol is an important component of the deposits that can narrow the coronary arteries. It helps maintain the health of our arteries and, therefore, prevents stroke. Watch your diet by prioritizing foods rich in fiber and vitamins and limiting animal fats.
Prevent diabetes
Types 1 and 2 diabetes are linked to an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, heart attack, and other heart problems.
It is an important risk factor, as it accelerates the vascular aging process, affecting all the body’s blood vessels. Try to maintain a reasonable weight and limit refined sugars.
Physical exercise
Not getting enough exercise contributes to obesity and is linked to higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. People who engage in regular aerobic exercise have better heart health, which is associated with a lower risk of myocardial ischemia and heart attack. Exercise also helps reduce blood pressure.
Following an exercise routine helps protect the arteries of the brain and heart. With just 25 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, you can significantly reduce the risk of suffering a cerebral ischemia.
No smoking and alcohol control
Smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can damage the inner walls of the arteries. This damage can allow cholesterol and other substances to form deposits, which may slow down blood flow in the coronary arteries.
Smoking causes spasms in the coronary arteries and can also increase the risk of blood clots.
Quitting smoking and controlling alcohol consumption should be one of our top priorities to stay away from ischemias and other cardiovascular diseases.
Hormonal contraceptives
Some medications make us more prone to suffering a cerebral ischemia, especially when combined with other risk factors. The hormones in birth control pills can promote clot formation and, therefore, increase the likelihood of an ischemia. Although the risk is low, it is best to limit their use in women over 30 who also have hypertension, obesity, and smoke.
Combined oral contraceptive pills have become one of the most popular birth control methods. These pills contain two types of female hormones: estrogen and progestin. When used correctly, the failure rate (that is, the occurrence of an unintended pregnancy) is less than one per 100 women per year.
Despite their reliability, oral contraceptive pills have been observed to increase the risk of a blood clot forming in an artery, that is, an arterial thrombosis (heart attack or stroke).
Since arterial thrombosis is uncommon in young women and there are so many types of oral contraceptive pills, the extent of the risk is unclear. Even so, to prevent a cerebral ischemia, it is advisable to be under medical supervision and even consider choosing an alternative method for pregnancy prevention.
What are the key concepts for preventing a cerebral ischemia?
A stroke is an event in which there is not enough blood flow to the brain; it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Preventing an ischemia is essential. Maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
Uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol, drug use, being overweight, and sleep apnea are risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of a stroke.
The key to preventing a cerebral ischemia and avoiding serious damage lies in acting quickly, recognizing the symptoms associated with a stroke, seeking help, and going to the nearest emergency service, as well as regularly monitoring these conditions with your specialist.
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