Apoplexy: Risk Factors And Symptoms

 Stroke is a sudden neurological syndrome consisting of bleeding or loss of blood flow to the brain.

When the blood supply does not reach the brain correctly, brain tissue dies. This results in a neurological deficit that can be a cause of disability or death.

In fact, the term stroke simply refers to bleeding or rupture of blood in any organ. Thus, there are numerous traits, depending on the organ to which they refer. However, when the word is used alone, it usually refers to a stroke.

The prevalence of stroke is high, especially in the elderly. Therefore, it is important to know your symptoms and your risk factors.

What does apoplexy mean?

Currently, the terms stroke, stroke, and stroke are often used interchangeably. However, there are certain differences:

• Stroke or cerebral infarction. It is a cessation of blood flow in the brain.
  • First, it can be caused by an obstruction in one of the blood vessels that supply the brain (ischemia). This is often related to atherosclerosis issues.
  • On the other hand, it could be due to intracerebral hemorrhage. It is then called a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Stroke is an old term. It was used to call the suspension of some brain function. There is a functional apoplexy in which there are no structural changes in the brain, as occurs in a stroke; only similar symptoms occur, but no underlying abnormalities.

Risk factors for suffering an apoplexy

There are numerous risk factors for experiencing stroke. On the one hand, there are non-modifiable risk factors, which include age, gender or family history.

After the age of 55, the risk of suffering doubles with every 10 years that pass. Furthermore, there is a higher incidence in men than in women. It should also be noted that if a family member has suffered a stroke, the likelihood of that happening increases.

On the other hand, there are many factors that are modifiable:

• High blood pressure. It is the most frequent vascular disorder and its incidence also increases with age. Normal blood pressure values ​​are 130/80 mmHg. We need to limit our salt intake to 2 grams a day to better control our blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
• Smoke. Tobacco has been associated with a direct detrimental effect on the arteries.
• Cholesterol. Cholesterol levels above 200 mg/DL are associated with atherosclerosis problems and an increased risk of arterial obstruction. Therefore, it is essential to take care of the diet and reduce the consumption of fats, especially saturated fats.
• Sedentary lifestyle. It is recommended to walk at least half an hour a day, five days a week.
• Stress is also an important cardiovascular risk factor.

Diabetes is also considered a determinant, in addition to having previously suffered from cardiovascular disease.

Stroke Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the brain area affected. They can be sensory, motor or mixed. The most common are:

• Dysarthria. It consists of a difficulty in speaking or understanding the language.
• Hemiparesis and hemiplegia . It is the loss of strength or paralysis in the arm and leg on the same side of the body and part of the face.
• Balance and coordination problems. There is also dizziness.
• Difficulty walking.
• Sudden and intense headache. It can be accompanied by vision loss.

However, there are situations in which the condition is of low intensity and duration and goes unnoticed. You may have only subtle muscle weakness, minor episodes of amnesia, or disorientation.

Without a doubt, if any of these symptoms occur, it is important to go to the emergency room. Stroke is a time-dependent condition that must be treated as soon as possible.

In conclusion