causes of stroke in men - #13446
I am really worried about something that’s been on my mind for quite a while. My dad had a mini stroke last month, and honestly, it was shocking for our family. He was only 58, seemed healthy, didn't smoke, and exercised almost every day. I've been doing some research on the causes of stroke in men because I’m trying to understand how this could happen to someone who seemed perfectly fine. I read that high blood pressure can be a major cause, but his was always normal. He also had a freak accident a few years back that resulted in a head injury. Could that be a factor? I’m just freaking out thinking about other possible causes of stroke in men — like genetics, lifestyle choices, and even stress. I've noticed him becoming more stressed with work lately, maybe that’s it? I’m honestly scared that it might happen again, or that I could be at risk too. Are there specific causes of stroke in men that I should be aware of, especially considering he was relatively young? Any insight would be super helpful since I just want to be prepared and maybe keep an eye on my own health too. Thank you for any thoughts!!!!
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Doctors’ responses
Strokes can indeed be unsettling, especially when they occur unexpectedly in seemingly healthy individuals. For men like your dad, several factors could potentially contribute to stroke risk even if they appear healthy outwardly. Beyond high blood pressure, which is a well-known cause, there are other factors worth considering. Genetics can play a role; if there’s a family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease, the risk might be higher. Even if he doesn’t smoke or drink excessively, dietary habits and cholesterol levels can influence stroke risk. Regular exercise is great, but if there’s an underlying condition like atrial fibrillation, that can also raise the risk due to the possibility of blood clots. Stress might contribute indirectly, potentially raising blood pressure temporarily or causing unhealthy habits like sleep deprivation. The head injury from the past is more complex; while it can sometimes lead to conditions like a slow-forming blood clot, it’s generally less common to directly cause a stroke years later without ongoing complications. Monitoring his health with regular check-ups including cholesterol levels and heart health screening would be wise. As for your risk, adopting heart-healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine health screenings can be beneficial. If anxiety about this is overwhelming, discussing family medical history with your healthcare provider might provide personalized insights.
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