Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
Q1. What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels. There is a blockage that prevents blood flowing to heart or brain, and the most common cause is fatty deposits on inner walls of blood vessels. This can lead to many conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, retinopathy, kidney disease, etc.
Q2. What is the relationship between cardiovascular disease and stroke?
There are two major types of stroke. One is acute ischaemic stroke, which is caused by disrupted blood supply to the brain as a result of blood vessel blockage. The other type is haemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by damage to blood vessels. Brain cells die from lack of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain injury, varying degrees of physical disabilities such as limb weakness, speech impairment, memory loss, or even death. Acute iscahemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke are both highly related to blood vessel problems.
Q3. What are the risk factors for stroke?
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke. According to an international research, ten behavioural and biological risk factors account for 90% of acute iscahemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Besides hypertension, other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities, psychological stress, central obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes and heart problems.
Q4. Can regular body checkup prevent stroke?
A body checkup can assess and lessen stroke risk. Regular blood pressure measurement is essential as hypertension is a major risk factor of heart disease or stroke. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel unwell unless they develop complications due to very high blood pressure.
Symptoms of abnormal blood sugar level may not be obvious too. High blood lipids and cholesterol are also the risk factors of stroke and the risk increases with age. Patients with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus, a family history of stroke, or beyond certain age are advised to have regular body checkup. Individuals are advised to check blood pressure at least once every two years when above 18 years of age, and once every year when over 65. Those over 45 should measure blood sugar level once every three years and for further testing if required. Blood lipid measurement should be done regularly above 50, and repeat every three years if results were normal.
Q5. How can I prevent stroke recurrence?
Post-stroke risk assessment can help determine the risk of stroke or heart disease recurrence. Patients with ischaemic stroke are advised to take anti-platelet drugs to prevent blood vessel blockage, while those with atrial fibrillation should receive anticoagulation. A healthy lifestyle can reduce recurrence risk in most patients. Smoking cessation can reduce stroke risk to similar level as non-smokers five years after quitting. Alcohol use can increase blood pressure, and it does not help prevent stroke even if taken in small amounts. Therefore, drinkers, in particular those with high blood pressure should stop drinking.
A balanced diet, i.e. low in fat, salt and sugar, with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, can also prevent stroke recurrence. Obesity is associated with ischaemic stroke in adults. Physical activity can help control body weight, relief stress and improve physical fitness. Adults are advised to undergo at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Try different ways to relieve stress, e.g. take deep breaths or talk to someone whenever you feel stressful or anxious, are also beneficial.
Most people have no symptoms before stroke occurrence, and very few patients suffer a transient or mini stroke before a major one. Stroke is a medical emergency. The sooner the detection and treatment, the better the outcome. Remember stroke symptoms with the acronym “FAST” (Face drooping, Arm weakness and Speech difficulty)” and seek immediate medical attention.
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