A stroke, commonly referred to as a stroke, is a condition of sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain that can have catastrophic health consequences. It is when brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood. The main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke, resulting from blocked bleeding into the brain, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the brain.
Risk group
Stroke can affect virtually anyone of any age, although there are certain risk groups that are more vulnerable. Stroke is commonly thought to be a condition that mainly affects the elderly, but it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults and even in children.
The most common risk groups include:
- The elderly: Statistically, the risk of stroke increases with age. People over the age of 65 are more likely to suffer strokes, partly due to the body's natural ageing processes.
- People with hypertension: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the main risk factors for stroke. Blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and haemorrhages.
- People with diabetes: Diabetes is associated with metabolic disorders that can affect blood vessel health, which in turn increases the risk of stroke.
- Smokers and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are habits that can increase the risk of stroke. Harmful substances in tobacco and alcohol can damage blood vessels.
- People suffering from obesity: Obesity is one of the risk factors for stroke as it leads to increased blood pressure, insulin resistance and inflammation.
- People with heart disease: People with heart disease, such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease, are at greater risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to stroke.
- Family history: If there is a family history of stroke, the risk may be hereditary.
- People with high cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of stroke.
- People with low levels of physical activity: Lack of regular physical activity can lead to obesity, hypertension and other risk factors for stroke.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle and its impact on stroke risk is an important area of public health. Modern lifestyles, characterised by excessive sitting, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits, pose an increasing challenge in preventing this serious condition.
Physical activity is a key element of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, controls cholesterol levels and contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight. People who lead active lifestyles have a lower risk of stroke. Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, cycling or Nordic walking, promotes cardiovascular health, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clots.
Balanced diet also plays an important role in stroke prevention. Eating vegetables, fruit, whole grain cereal products and healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and fish, benefit the cardiovascular system. Avoiding saturated and trans fats, which are found in fast food and processed foods, is important in controlling bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Limiting salt intake is key in preventing hypertension.
Regardless of age and gender, anyone can be at risk of stroke, but there are certain risk groups. The elderly, smokers, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obese people are at higher risk of stroke. Therefore, education and awareness on risk factors and healthy lifestyles are key in the fight against this risk.
It is worth emphasising that both physical activity and a healthy diet have health benefits not only in terms of stroke prevention, but also many other cardiovascular diseases and overall health. It is important that these lifestyle changes are sustainable and an integral part of daily life.