Stroke has become a common disease in India. But still, we are ignorant of what it is and how overweight can risk and increase our chances of stroke.

The experts at Capitol Hospital, which is the best healthcare in the region, will shed some light on stroke so that we have a better understanding of it.

WHAT IS STROKE?
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain or a part of your brain stops. It is very common in India. It has more than one million cases per year. When the blood doesn’t reach the brain, oxygen doesn’t reach the brain and brain cells die.

The damage done by the stroke depends on how much brain has been affected by the stroke and in which part the stroke has occurred.

TYPES OF STROKES

• ISCHEMIC STROKE

This type of stroke occurs due to a blood clot. The vessel transferring the blood to the brain gets stopped and blocked by a blood clot.

• HEMORRHAGIC STROKE

This happens when blood vessel bursts in the brain. Blood spills into or around the brain. This creates swelling and pressure, which results in the damage to the cells and tissues in the brain.

TIA (TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK)

It is also known as a mini-stroke. In this, the blood supply to the brain decreases temporarily. The symptoms of TIAs are similar to that of stroke. The leak in the blood vessel is temporary and it lasts for less than 4-5 minutes. After encountering TIA, you likely become more prone to a stroke. You should consult your doctor even if your symptoms seem to clear up.

 SYMPTOMS OF STROKE

• Sudden Numbness in legs, arms or face can occur.
• Blurred vision or difficulty in seeing things distinctly and clearly.
• Vomiting, dizziness, and headache may occur when you are having a stroke.
• Less coordination in your limbs and you may experience loss of balance.
• Trouble speaking coherently and difficulty understanding.

RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE

There are multiple factors which may increase your risk of stroke. Some are discussed below.

• Being overweight according to BMI and not lack of exercise and physical activity.
• High blood pressure and High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Use of drugs which are not prescribed.
• Heavy drinking
• Heart failure or heart infections

We will be discussing the risk factors and stroke in more detail in the subsequent blogs.