Stroke: the most effective dietary supplements

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is a serious medical condition characterized by the sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. This interruption can be due to a clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or to bleeding caused by the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes are medical emergencies that require prompt treatment to minimize long-term disability and reduce the risk of death.

Key symptoms to watch for

A stroke presents with alarming warning signs such as: • Sudden weakness of part of the body. • Difficulty speaking. • Loss of vision in one eye. • Sudden confusion. Rapid recognition of these symptoms can limit lasting damage and even save lives.

Etiology

There are multiple risk factors, including: • High blood pressure. • Diabetes. • Smoking. • Obesity. • High cholesterol. • Certain heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation. Ischemic strokes are often related to atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries or to carotid stenosis. Hemorrhagic strokes can result from the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm or from an arteriovenous malformation. Strokes may also be promoted by clotting disorders, autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, and other vascular risk factors. Less common causes of stroke include conditions such as inflammatory arteritis, carotid dissection, tumors, or coagulation disorders.

Treatment

Treatments for stroke differ depending on whether it is ischemic or hemorrhagic, based on the nature and severity of the event. For an ischemic stroke, which results from an obstruction of a cerebral artery: • An injection of thrombolytics (intravenous thrombolytic therapy) is used to dissolve blood clots and restore circulation in the affected vessels. • A thrombectomy, an endovascular procedure, may be performed to remove the clot causing the obstruction and restore blood flow. In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel and bleeding into the brain: • Medications such as anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or antiplatelet agents are contraindicated because they may worsen the bleeding. If the patient was taking anticoagulants, specific treatments may be given to reverse their effects. • Measures are taken to promote clotting and stabilize the patient’s condition, while supportive care helps control risk factors like high blood pressure. • In cases of severe bleeding, surgery may be necessary to evacuate accumulated blood and reduce pressure on the brain.

Prevention

Stroke prevention involves controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.