In light of recent events I am compelled to post some things I have learned in my classes at HealthSouth Rehab Center I am taking while recovering from my second stroke. A stroke is sudden when it strikes. However, there is a long and progressive path prior to that strike that is entirely preventable. It's called "Risk Factors". Although I know this was not the primary reason for RonP's death, but his cause of death is listed as a stroke and needs to be addressed (there were other factors leading up to the stroke). Also Richoso's stroke too.
Hypertension
The number one risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. The buildup of arterial pressure means the heart is working more, and small blood vessels are holding back the flow of blood, building up pressure behind them. Plus there's extra wear and tear on the blood vessels that causes weakening. And, it can accelerate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The Age Factor
High blood pressure can be regulated. You are in control. However, there are risk factors you cannot control. Aging is one of them. As you age, your arteries become more fragile. They are less elastic and flexible. They become brittle. Hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. The more buildup of atherosclerosis, the more likely these arteries are to clog or close off. If this occurs in the brain, it will result in a stroke.
Diabetes Complications
At first glance you think there's no connection; diabetes controls sugar. But, there is one powerful , and dangerous, connection - diabetes can affect circulation, and poor circulation can affect blood vessels, especially the small capillaries in the eyes. Because of weakened, impaired blood vessels, diabetes can cause hemorrhages and blindness. Likewise, similar hemorrhages in the brain can cause paralysis and death. These reasons make diabetes a risk factor for stroke, but there's more:
A person with diabetes is up to three times as likely to have a stroke.
Studies have found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hypertension than those without
Another study found that 42% of people who have strokes also have diabetes
The combination of hypertension and diabetes is much more common among African Americans and Hispanics
Diabetics are much more prone to obesity and high chlolesterol levels
Like aging there is little we can do to prevent inherited diabetes. But we can control it through medication, diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
**continued in next post**
Hypertension
The number one risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. The buildup of arterial pressure means the heart is working more, and small blood vessels are holding back the flow of blood, building up pressure behind them. Plus there's extra wear and tear on the blood vessels that causes weakening. And, it can accelerate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The Age Factor
High blood pressure can be regulated. You are in control. However, there are risk factors you cannot control. Aging is one of them. As you age, your arteries become more fragile. They are less elastic and flexible. They become brittle. Hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. The more buildup of atherosclerosis, the more likely these arteries are to clog or close off. If this occurs in the brain, it will result in a stroke.
Diabetes Complications
At first glance you think there's no connection; diabetes controls sugar. But, there is one powerful , and dangerous, connection - diabetes can affect circulation, and poor circulation can affect blood vessels, especially the small capillaries in the eyes. Because of weakened, impaired blood vessels, diabetes can cause hemorrhages and blindness. Likewise, similar hemorrhages in the brain can cause paralysis and death. These reasons make diabetes a risk factor for stroke, but there's more:
A person with diabetes is up to three times as likely to have a stroke.
Studies have found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hypertension than those without
Another study found that 42% of people who have strokes also have diabetes
The combination of hypertension and diabetes is much more common among African Americans and Hispanics
Diabetics are much more prone to obesity and high chlolesterol levels
Like aging there is little we can do to prevent inherited diabetes. But we can control it through medication, diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
**continued in next post**
