A cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as stroke, is one of the most critical medical conditions. It occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood, and thus, oxygen. This short interruption in blood supply may occur due to a ruptured blood vessel or a blockage in the blood supply. Depending upon the part of the brain affected during this stroke episode, different people can face different complications such as partial immobility or paralysis, speech disorders, depression, chronic headaches, loss of bladder control, and even death. Since the functioning of the brain is directly affected during a stroke episode, it needs quick identification, attention and intervention to minimize the damage.

As it is well-said, prevention is better than cure and this becomes all the more important when it comes to life-threatening conditions such as a stroke. However, before understanding the preventability of a stroke, it is necessary to identify whether you should be worried about the condition i.e. are you prone to a stroke?

The People of DR Congo and Stroke

A WHO 2018 report suggested that stroke-related deaths reached 29,821 i.e. 4.48% of total deaths registered in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another stat published by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Compare 2018 also suggested that stroke is one of the top 10 causes of death in DR Congo. Thus, the Congolese population is often suggested to take care of their heart and overall health to prevent critical conditions such as stroke.

Is Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) Preventable?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is affected. This may occur due to a temporary blockage in an artery, blood clot formation, leaking blood vessel or a burst blood vessel. The condition can affect people of all ages and health status. Several underlying health conditions and risk factors may lead to this short interruption in the blood supply and no exact root cause or trigger has been identified yet. While no sure-fire preventive measure is known to avoid the condition altogether, one can take steps to reduce the risk of a stroke. Read on to find out.

Steps to Reduce the Risk of a Stroke

Since stroke is related to the health of your heart and blood vessels, it is necessary to keep them healthy to prevent the condition. Make the below-mentioned lifestyle changes to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart.

• Quit smoking since it can result in the narrowing of your arteries, thus, affect the blood supply.
• Consume a healthy diet including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and cut down on fatty, salty and processed foods. This will help you keep your cholesterol and blood pressure levels in control.
• Stay physically active and maintain healthy body weight for a healthy heart. Make sure you indulge in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 5 days of the week. You may start with activities you enjoy doing such as walking, jogging, dancing, cycling, swimming, etc.
• Reduce the consumption of alcohol as it can trigger an irregular heartbeat and elevate your blood pressure levels. This can further increase the chances of having a stroke.
• Get a full-body checkup regularly to identify any underlying cause or risk factor at the earliest and seek treatment with the help of a certified health practitioner. For example, high blood sugar levels (diabetes) can increase your risk of stroke by 2-4 times. Thus, get your blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly. Discuss the medications you are on with your doctor and seek custom health advice as per your overall health status.

The Bottom Line

Stroke is a critical medical emergency and can lead to severe complications, including death. Therefore, consult your doctor to get your physical health assessed regularly and identify if you are likely to have a stroke. If you have had a stroke, discuss the same with your doctor as they will prescribe medications accordingly to prevent a second stroke. To seek world-class healthcare facilities in DR Congo, schedule an appointment at HJ Hospitals today.