140,000 people suffer a stroke in France every year. It is the third leading cause of death in the country (40,000 deaths). serious illness, Stroke causes neurological deficits Due to brain lesions of vascular origin. As a result, patients suffer serious consequences. It should be noted that stroke is the leading cause of death in women.
Although common, 90% of strokes are preventable. This is explained by Professor Sonia Alamovitch, President of the French Neurovascular Society (SFNV) and Head of the Neurovascular Emergency Department at the Petit-Salpêtrière Hospital (APHP, Paris): “ In an ideal world, with a healthy lifestyle, 90% of strokes could be avoided By controlling all these risk factors at the individual level. That would mean preventing more than half of strokes each year. »
A large proportion of the risk factors associated with stroke are determined by lifestyle factors such as smoking, diabetes, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, obesity or even psychosocial factors. (stress, depression, social isolation, etc.). And the good news is that it is possible to act on these various factors.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
In the event of a stroke, it is important to be able to act quickly by calling 15 or 112. Here are the first signs of a stroke, As detailed on the health insurance website:
- Distortion of the mouth;
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face: inability to smile, lips drooping to one side;
- loss of strength or numbness in arms or legs;
- Difficulty speaking or understanding.
How to avoid stroke?
Experts interviewed by The Daily Record magazine offered some tips to prevent strokes.
Since the twenties
Good lifestyle habitsFrom a very young age, It is essential to limit your risk of having a stroke. This helps maintain cardiovascular health in later age. ” Although strokes in your 20s and 30s are extremely rare, it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle to reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure or high cholesterol later in life. “, explains Dr Angela Rae, GP, London General Practice. Then it’s worth itAdopt a low sodium dietFats and sugars to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Practice physical activity on a regular basisNot smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is also recommended.
At fifty
The lifestyle habits you instill in your twenties are meant to continue throughout your life. But in your fifties, other parameters come into play. It is especially important to have your blood pressure monitored by your general practitioner. ” High blood pressure may have no symptoms and go unnoticed for many yearsAfter which some damage has already been done”, Dr. Rai said. ” Blood tests, such as checking cholesterol and blood sugar levels for diabetes, can help manage risk factors. There are other blood markers useful for assessing cardiovascular risk. »
After sixty
From the age of sixty, it is important to regularly monitor the various health problems you may face. ” Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke Around five times, so if you experience symptoms – such as palpitations, dizziness or chest pain – it’s important to seek medical help. “, explained the doctor. ” However, many people have no symptoms and can only be detected during a routine examination. Treatment includes drugs to reduce the risk of clotting as well as drugs to control the heart rate. »
