World Stroke Day, Here Are 10 Ways to Prevent Stroke

"Indonesia is a country that has many cases of stroke. There are no exact figures. An estimated 12 out of 1000 people in Indonesia have a stroke. Not only that, the age of a stroke is also getting younger. So don't be considered a stroke just to attack old age, "explained Dr. Widya Sarkawi SpS as Director of Pertamina Central Hospital.

• Every six seconds, one person has a stroke. Around 16 million a year experience strokes worldwide. The good news, 80% of stroke cases can be prevented.
• Stroke is a frightening disease. Because a stroke can cause brain damage, paralysis to death. How to prevent stroke?
• What is a stroke? Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to the brain, can be a blockage or rupture of blood vessels, and can cause damage to brain structure. Symptoms vary depending on which brain structure is attacked.
• Stroke is the number two cause of death worldwide. Therefore, stroke awareness is a concern of many parties. No wonder to raise awareness about strokes also known as World Stroke Day which is celebrated every October 29th.
  

Know the Two Types of Stroke

There are two known types of strokes. The first thing that is caused by a ruptured blood vessel is called a bleeding stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. Second, it is a stroke caused by a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain called an ischemic stroke. Of these two types of strokes, it turns out that the more dominant type of ischemic stroke is experienced by the community.

"Indeed, the stroke happened because of several things. If it's basically someone who has offspring there is interference with the blood vessels. The term is indeed a risk factor by its nature, because the shape is indeed not normal, "added Dr. Widya. What is of concern to Dr. Widya is that at this time many young people have had a stroke. The cause is due to unhealthy lifestyle smoking, consumption of junk food, alcohol, obesity, and others. At this time I found many young people who had a stroke because of the influence of drugs (drugs). Today many children do not inject drugs, but use drugs. But they don't know that these drugs can affect the condition of blood vessels and break easily so they have a stroke, "he added.

Stroke Risk Factors

There are some risk factors for someone who has a stroke. Indeed there are risk factors that cannot be modified such as birth weight, race or ethnicity as well as genetic factors. "Heredity is usually in the presence of abnormal blood vessel conditions," explained Dr. Widya.
In addition there are modifiable risk factors including hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, unbalanced diet and nutrition, lack of physical activity, cholesterol, smoking, heart rhythm abnormalities (atrial fibrillation, and other heart diseases and so on).
"Because of that, seeing the risk of this stroke, actually 80 percent of stroke can be prevented. For men and women, both have a risk of stroke. However, usually over the age of 55 years a person will be at greater risk of stroke. Because of that, consultation with doctors, taking medicine when needed, and healthy living are the most important parts for preventing stroke, "added Dr. Wiyda.

Stroke Treatment

Handling and treating the two types of stroke is different. Apart from symptoms and risk factors, doctors also require imaging tests such as Computed Tomography scan (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA), CT / MR Perfusion, and / or Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) for determine the management of stroke patients.
"To overcome the current stroke treatment if blood clots occur in the brain, it can be overcome by giving blood thinning drugs. This can be done through blood vessels to reach parts of the brain and can overcome thick blood. It's like a blood vessel pipe can have plaque that can be pulled, "said Dr. Widya.

What can be done to reduce the risk of stroke? Here's what you can do:

* Control your high blood pressure. According to Dr. Widya 80% of stroke cases occur due to high blood pressure. Because it must be a doctor's control, diligently taking medicine and a healthy lifestyle.

• Do light exercise five times every week
• Eat healthy, balanced foods that are more fiber like fruits and vegetables and low in salt
• Keep cholesterol levels in the normal threshold
• Maintain ideal body weight (not fat)
• Stop smoking and do not become passive smokers
• Reduce drinking of alcohol
• Reduce the risk of diabetes and consult a doctor
• Expand information about strokes
• Recognizing and treating atrial fibrillation or atrial fibrillation (AF) is one type of arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heart rate)

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

There are several symptoms of stroke that appear include: double vision, spinning dizziness or vertigo, tingling, convulsions, decreased awareness, ringing in the ears, headache, unable to speak, impaired memory, narrowed field of view, movements that are difficult to control and others . If any of these symptoms appear, you immediately contact a doctor to have your condition checked.
"Actually, in the case of a stroke that can occur mild attacks, but often many people do not realize. Stroke that has been experienced by someone can also occur within a period of 24 hours. Therefore doctors need to be aware of this. Usually to be safe the doctor will wait 3 × 24 hours and no more strokes occur. From a stroke will be a recurring stroke in the first 24 hours can be 70 percent repeated. More severe attack. Can be mild initially just only people are not aware. Then become a more powerful attack.

Stroke Recovery and Physiotherapy

However, when recovery stroke patients can experience more. This is related, for example, continue to do an unhealthy lifestyle, do not control the main causes such as hypertension, cholesterol, or diabetes and others. Therefore, for someone who has had a stroke, it is necessary to be vigilant and guard against another stroke. Because usually the second attack can be more severe than the first, "explained Dr. Widya. The stroke recovery period is also not easy. Recovery, according to Dr. Widya, can last for more than two years, depending on how much brain damage a person experiences. Usually what appears is attracted lips, reduced ability to swallow and speak, paralysis of the hands or feet, and others. "Therefore recovery can be helped with therapy. Start physiotherapy, occupation, and speech. When therapy is indeed needed strong motivation from stroke patients. In this case family support is very important to awaken the patient's spirit to achieve maximum recovery. Control and taking medicine are also important factors to prevent recurrent strokes, "explained Dr. Widya.