The news about the coronavirus must be frustrating however doctors in New York City noticed a troubling trend. Some young people who were mildly ill and those who had no visible symptoms of the infection developed blood clots. They’ve developed strokes as well when those clots blocked blood vessels in the brain.
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries while some are caused by bleeding into brain tissue. It is when blood vessels bursts. There are three types of strokes; hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack.
How Coronavirus Might Increase The Risk Of Stroke
The coronavirus causes inflammation throughout the body. It reacts by clumping blood cells together if the walls of blood vessels become inflamed. It also creates a clot that stops the normal flow of the blood. The COVID-19-related blood clots frequently affect the larger vessel of the body. If a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot, the brain cells start to die which causes severe damage to the affected part of the brain. Even though strokes may happen at any age, younger people usually have a lower risk compared to people 60 years and older. There have been reported to have five young stroke patients who were under 50 and had only mild or no symptoms but are confirmed to have the coronavirus disease.
Prompt Emergency Treatment
The sooner you receive treatment the better chances you have for recovery. If you have arrived at the care center within a few hours after stroke’s onset, the doctor will give you medicine that breaks up blood clots before it can cause too much damage. You need immediate help if you have these symptoms:
- Confusion
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Facial drooping
- Severe headache
- Balance or coordination problems
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness and numbness in your face, leg, or arm
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
If you are on your young or middle-aged, you might think that you need to be aware of stroke symptoms. On the other hand, exposure to coronavirus disease could en increasing stroke risk in people who generally wouldn’t have a stroke. It is very important to know the symptoms and recognize the importance of getting medical help as soon as possible.
Tips To Lessen Your Risk Of Stroke
1. Control Blood Pressure
Blood pressure must be controlled especially if it is high. Know your numbers and keep them low.
2. Control Diabetes
You can manage diabetes with medication, weight control, exercise, and diet.
3. Eat A Diet Rich In Vegetables And Fruits
Having five or more servings of veggies and fruits each day may help lessen your risk of stroke.
4. Exercise
Physical activity can lower your blood pressure and improves your overall health especially the health of your heart and blood vessels. Exercise also helps you reduce stress, lose weight, and control diabetes.
5. Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure, hemorrhagic strokes, and ischemic strokes.
6. Quit Tobacco
Smoking increases the risk of stroke.
