A paralytic stroke is a deadly medical condition that everyone should watch out for, especially as you get older. It prevents the brain from sending signals for the limbs to be mobile. Depending on the stroke’s intensity, the paralysis’ effects will vary from a few fingers to an entire side of your body. Besides the danger of losing mobility, a stroke prevents blood and oxygen flow to your brain cells, resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis.
Knowing the controllable risk factors of a paralytic stroke
Some risk factors for the condition are uncontrollable, such as age, gender, and genetics. The body naturally depreciates as you age, gender can affect your vulnerability, and family history suggests your tendency to experience the same disease. However, you can control and adjust other factors to reduce your chances of having a paralytic stroke.
Here are four risk factors that you should watch out for:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure is a recurring risk factor among elderly individuals. Some genetic conditions make it harder to maintain blood pressure, but avoiding stressful events and maintaining a healthy diet can help you do so.
2. Weight problems
Obesity is a catalyst for several complications, such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and strokes. Like maintaining your blood pressure, sticking to a healthy diet can reduce your risk for these conditions. You can increase your meal plan’s effectiveness by engaging in physical activities to help promote blood flow. However, if you have chronic obesity, you should consider a weight loss surgery to lower your risk for paralytic stroke.
3. Contraceptive pills
Birth control pills are also a leading cause of paralysis. Oral contraceptives increase the chances of ischemic strokes by raising blood pressure levels while making your blood hypercoagulable. In this state, your blood is more likely to clot, making it dangerous if the clots travel to your brain.
4. Drinking and smoking
Vices, such as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, can increase your chances of having a stroke. Smoking can lead to high blood pressure, while excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger irregular heartbeats, causing blood clots to form around your heart. These clots can travel to your brain, preventing the delivery of signals throughout your nervous system. If you’re a heavy drinker, you should gradually cut down on your consumption so that your body won’t experience withdrawal effects.
Conclusion
If you’re prone to any of the risk factors above, you should look out for the signs of a stroke. Some attacks aren’t as severe as others and can manifest through smaller symptoms, such as difficulty in speech, numbness in the body, impaired vision, memory loss, or fainting. If you suddenly experience these symptoms, you should seek a medical professional quickly.
As early as possible, you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce your risks of paralytic stroke and other serious health conditions. It may be challenging to adjust your diets and exercise routines as you get older, but it’s an investment that you will significantly benefit from in the long run.
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