A study showed result that more brain infarction or also known as a non-hemorrhagic stroke occurred more during the weekends and holidays. There was a significant correlation between alcohol drinking, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet during the holidays and weekends with the incidence of stroke, especially in the young adult population. The study proves the tight relationship of stroke and lifestyle habits. Therefore, some experts classify stroke as a lifestyle disease.
By definition, stroke is a condition where there is inadequate blood supply to the brain. To make it simple, it may be caused by blockage or also known as a non-hemorrhagic stroke, or leakage / bleeding also known as hemorrhagic stroke. A human’s risk to get stroke increases by age following the physiological changes of the body. The addition of unhealthy lifestyle habits and disease will give a higher chance for stroke.
There are 2 types of risk factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable. Controllable risk factors generally fall into two categories: lifestyle risk factors or medical risk factors. Lifestyle risk factors can often be changed, while medical risk factors can usually be treated.
Controllable Risk Factors:
- High Blood Pressure
- Atrial Fibrillation
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- Circulation Problems
- Tobacco Use and Smoking
- Alcohol Use
- Physical Inactivity
- Obesity
Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Family History
- Previous Stroke or TIA
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO or Hole in the Heart)
How to prevent it?
- Do regular health check ups, you should detect early if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol or diabetes.
- Stop smoking
- Include exercise in your daily routine.
- Enjoy a low-salt, low-fat diet
Early detection is one essential part in medical management. Complications and late treatment can become a nightmare, for the doctor and the patient. Don’t be late in knowing what your body is facing. Everyone is advised to have an annual health checkup. At BIMC Hospital we provide Comprehensive Health Assessment Program. This comprehensive examination will be an important factor for early detection of a specific disease or as a baseline examination for further checkups.
So, you can still enjoy your holiday if you watch what you eat, drink and have enough rest and not concern yourself with having a stroke attack. But, as stroke is also a lifestyle disease, consider changing your lifestyle habits and have regular checks with your doctor.
