A ictus It is a neuronal failure produced by insufficient blood supply to the brain, it is also known as a stroke, embolism, cerebrovascular accident, cerebral infarction or thrombosis.
There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic, the consequences of which are different and the damage they cause is directly related to the time that elapses between the moment the stroke occurs and the appropriate medical care provided to the patient.
- Ischemic stroke It occurs due to the obstruction of the blood vessels that cut off the blood supply to a part of the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke It is caused by the rupture of the arteries, which causes cerebral hemorrhage, causing damage to the area of the brain where the clot is lodged. This type of stroke is less frequent but has a low survival rate; and if the condition is overcome, mobility, speech and independence of the patient are impaired.
Contents
Risk factor’s
Stroke can appear suddenly; Nevertheless, in many cases it is triggered by a continuous process of unhealthy habits.
Risk factors include health, eating habits and lifestyle in general, and family history.
Health risk factors
- Fat in the blood, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Infarction or heart attack.
- Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, blood vessel malfunction, arrhythmia problems, birth defects, etc.
- Arterial hypertension.
Risk factors produced by eating and consumption habits
Some incorrect and disorderly consumption habits can lead to a stroke, What:
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Consumption of drugs and toxic and hallucinogenic substances
Having a sedentary life is a risk factor in the appearance of cerebral infarction, as well as excessive consumption of fat, eating a disorderly, unbalanced and nutrient-poor diet, having a hectic and stressful life, maintaining a rhythm of activity that exceed physical and intellectual capacity, among others.
Lack of sleep and rest, either due to sleep apneas or disorders when falling asleep and staying asleep.
Other risk factors
There are other risk factors that can lead to an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and on which it is unlikely to intervene, such as:
- Sex: It is more common in men than women, however, the survival rate is lower in women.
- Age: This risk increases after 60 years of age, both in men and women, especially if this factor is combined with lifestyle factors, consumption habits and other factors such as stress, depression, etc.
- Medical history of stroke in the family: There are families with a long history of embolism in their members: great-grandparents, grandparents, parents; In these cases, it is convenient to monitor the risk factors indicated, from those of consumption to those of lifestyle to minimize the chances of an episode.
Attention to the first symptoms
A cerebrovascular accident presents different symptoms, considering elements such as the physical and clinical condition of the person and the area of the brain where it occurs.
Whatever the case, symptoms such as:
- Loss of feeling or strength in a part of the body.
- Partial or total loss of vision.
- Blurred, intermittent, sudden vision.
- Severe headaches that start suddenly and last for a long time.
- Having problems understanding, speaking or responding to any daily act.
- Having problems of recognition to relatives and close people.