what cause stroke - #16512
I am really confused and kinda scared about my dad's recent health issues. Lately, we noticed he was forgettin things a lot more and he seemed to have trouble finding the right words when he spoke. He also complained about a lot of headaches. One evening, he just collapsed. It was a total shock!!! They rushed him to the hospital, and the doctors said he had a stroke. What causes stroke?? I keep reading about it, but there's so much info out there. They mentioned something about how high blood pressure could be a factor, and I think they've always been monitoring that. I worry that his unhealthy diet could’ve contributed too, like all that take-out he eats. Is it true that stress can what cause stroke? I mean, he's been working like crazy in the last few months. Now I'm asking everyone around me for advice and I'm still left wondering what cause stroke in the first place. I just wanna understand more because I'm super freaked out and I need to know if there's anything we can do to prevent this in the future. How do we even know what really cause stroke, like were there signs we missed? Trying to be hopeful but it’s tough.
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Doctors’ responses
Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to damage to brain cells. There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, caused by blockages like clots in the brain’s blood vessels, account for about 87% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes occur due to bleeding in the brain, often from burst vessels. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for both types because it can damage blood vessels over time, making them more prone to clots or rupture. An unhealthy diet high in salt, saturated fats, and low in fruits and veggies can contribute to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, raising stroke risk. Stress can indirectly increase risk too by impacting blood pressure and promoting unhealthy lifestyle choices. Stroke signs often appear suddenly and include difficulty speaking, memory loss, severe headaches, sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate medical attention can be crucial. Prevention involves managing risk factors: controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. Families should also be attuned to lifestyle choices to reduce risk, like cooking more at home with less processed foods. Regular check-ups and monitoring for those at risk can catch issues early before they lead to a stroke.
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