Actor Mithun Chakraborty was recently diagnosed with ischemic cerebrovascular accident (stroke) after he was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata complaining of chest pain and weakness in his right upper limb. Although the actor has been discharged from the hospital and has been properly briefed on his health, it is important for stroke survivors to make appropriate lifestyle changes and focus on the recovery process. Approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke. Approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. They are caused by blockages in arteries. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes and are caused by bleeding. Approximately 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic. (Also read | Misun Chakraborty diagnosed with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke; hospital says she is 'fully conscious and conscious')
Upon leaving the hospital, Misun advised everyone to control their diet to avoid stroke. “I eat like a devil. So I was punished. My advice to everyone is to control your diet. Diabetics think that eating sweets has no effect. You shouldn't. Manage your diet,” the actor said. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, stress management, and prescription medications can not only help prevent stroke recurrence but also improve your overall quality of life.
What is ischemic stroke?
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked or blocked, resulting in a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
“This blockage is caused by a swollen blood clot or plaque within the blood vessel. People who are over 55 years old, have a personal or family history of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack, and have high blood pressure, excessive smoking, etc. People with other risk factors such as exposure to second-hand smoke, excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, high cholesterol, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease (heart failure, heart defect, heart infection, or atrial fibrillation) “Irregular heart rhythms (such as rapid heartbeats) make you more susceptible to ischemic cerebrovascular accidents and strokes,” says Dr Tarun Sharma, head of neurospine surgery at Marengo Asia Hospital in Faridabad.
“In the complex network of our circulatory system, blood clots often play the role of silent culprits, causing a range of health problems. One of the most alarming consequences is that blood flow to the brain is restricted. ischemic cerebrovascular stroke, which is a serious concern,” said Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, senior neurologist and director of the hospital's Metro Group.
Stroke is becoming more common among young people, and lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food choices, and excessive stress in work and home life can cause strokes even in your 30s. Dr. Sharma says they are at risk of
“Certain people are more prone to ischemic stroke. People who smoke, battle diabetes, suffer from high blood pressure, or have a family history of stroke may find themselves at high risk. Understanding these risk factors is crucial in implementing preventive measures to protect your health by taking measures,” says Dr. Sonia.
Symptoms of ischemic stroke
“If you experience vision problems such as sudden arm weakness, facial asymmetry, speech problems, severe headaches, confusion, blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes, or loss of balance or coordination, seek medical attention immediately. “Consult your nearest stroke hospital. These symptoms should not be overlooked. If treatment is delayed, the patient may be left with permanent disability,” says Sharma. the doctor says.
“Recognizing the subtle warnings before a stroke is critical for timely intervention. These often ignored signs include sudden confusion, severe headaches with no apparent cause, and dizziness. , loss of balance, problems with coordination, and sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, muscles, or legs, especially on one side of the body.Additionally, confusion or difficulty understanding speech, slurred speech, etc. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes is a common symptom and should not be taken lightly, says Dr. Sonia.
stroke treatment
“Prompt treatment in the golden hour (3 hours after stroke onset) can play an important role in reducing brain damage and improving outcomes, as this is a medical emergency. , a drug that destroys the blood clot is given to the patient within a short time frame.Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) or mechanical thrombectomy (a type of minimally invasive, image-guided procedure) It is done to remove the blood clot. Additionally, the patient is prescribed medication to minimize the risk of future strokes and other major risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. and so on,” says Dr. Sharma.
Change your lifestyle to prevent ischemic stroke
“To prevent ischemic stroke, stop smoking or limit smoking, avoid heavy alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet, manage high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, and engage in regular aerobic exercise.” You should also make lifestyle modifications such as physical exercise, which helps your brain and heart health.You should also include green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.You should also try meditating or doing yoga to reduce stress. “Getting a good night's sleep also helps promote brain and heart health,” says Dr. Sharma.
“Taking control of your health requires a multifaceted approach to minimizing your risk of ischemic stroke. This includes managing your risk factors with prescription medications, adopting a regular exercise regimen, These include adopting a healthy lifestyle, most notably quitting smoking. “This is an important step in reducing stroke risk. By addressing these factors, individuals can take positive steps toward their overall well-being.” and reduce the potential effects of blood clots,” says Dr. Sonia.
Lifestyle changes after stroke
For those who have suffered a stroke, the road to recovery goes beyond medical intervention, says Dr. Vipul Gupta, director of neurointerventions and co-head of the stroke department at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
“Lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, stress management, and adherence to prescribed medications have become essential. These adjustments not only prevent stroke recurrence, but also improve overall It also helps improve your quality of life. If you have suffered a stroke, enrolling in a rehabilitation program is a vital aspect of the recovery process. These programs are designed to help you regain lost skills. “It provides individuals with the opportunity to regain independence and function. It is of utmost importance to seek the guidance of a stroke specialist, as personalized advice will ensure a tailored strategy for recovery,” said Dr. Vipul. say.
After a stroke, embracing lifestyle modifications and seeking professional guidance can greatly contribute to the road to recovery.
