Ischemic Stroke: What you need to know

Cerebrovascular diseases, which include stroke or brain attack, are the third leading cause of death in the country in 2022 and 2023, according to the latest data from the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA).

There are two main types of stroke. In both types of stroke, parts of the brain become damaged or die, causing lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. The leaked blood puts excessive pressure on neurons (brain cells), which damages them.

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or plaque (fatty deposits) block the blood vessels to the brain. Most strokes are ischemic strokes, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. This article focuses on ischemic stroke.

Symptoms of ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone else has any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Risk factors for ischemic stroke

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis – buildup of plaque consisting of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls)
• Carotid artery disease – plaque accumulation in the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain and head
• Family history of atherosclerosis or carotid artery disease
• Atrial fibrillation – highly irregular pulse rate caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart’s chambers (atria)
• High cholesterol levels
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight or obese.
• Unhealthy diet
• Being over 55 years of age

Healthy living to prevent ischemic stroke

You can help prevent stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices and working with your doctor to control health conditions that raise your risk for stroke.

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Control your medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Take your maintenance medications as prescribed by your doctor.

For your Essential Medicines needs, find it at Watsons. Visit your nearest Watsons store or shop via the Watsons App now.

References:

https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/2023-causes-death-philippines-provisional-30-november-2023. Accessed 1 May 2024
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm. Accessed 1 May 2024
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/ischemic-stroke-clots. Accessed 1 May 2024
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm. Accessed 1 May 2024
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318098. Accessed 1 May 2024