Heart stroke: The coronary arteries which supply blood to the muscle of the heart, are among the most important blood vessels of the body. Hardening and loss of elasticity of the arteries cause pain in the chest. This pain may be associated with restlessness, fear or anxiety, a pale skin, profuse sweating and vomiting. A clot may for in the lumen of a coronary artery and the heart may be deprived of blood and the patient develops “heart stroke”. Strokes can affect people of any age, from children to the elderly. But the good news is, by lowering your risk factors you can significantly reduce the likelihood that you will experience a stroke. These are a few simple steps that anyone can take.
Hypertension: To keep your heart healthy you need to keep your blood pressure under control. Over 65% or all strokes are caused by elevated blood pressure. The first number (systolic) should be under 140. The second number (diastolic) should be under 90. If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce your blood pressure. Even salt restriction in diet, exercise and stress management can help a lot. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Consult with your physician regarding medications and diet and lifestyle changes that will help lower your blood pressure. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
1. Smoking: Smoking cause maximum loss to heart.
If you smoke, quit. If you don't succeed in your first attempt, keep trying. If you don't smoke, don't start and be sure to stay away from second hand smoke. Men who smoke have a 40% greater chance of having a stroke than those who do not smoke. Women who smoke have a 60% greater chance of having a stroke compared to non-smoking women. Women who smoke and take the birth control pill have an even higher risk for stroke.
2. Blood cholesterol: Elevated blood cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke because it accelerates the development of arteriosclerosis. It is also important to monitor triglyceride levels. Discuss your level with your doctor. Total cholesterol should be under 200, LDL cholesterol should be under 130 and HDL cholesterol should be above 54. Your doctor will be able to tell you your LDL/HDL risk ratio and that should be under 3.22. Triglycerides should be under 150. If your levels are high, avoid foods that are high in fat. Avoid fried food.
3. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level under control. Men and women with diabetes, especially women, are at greater risk for having a stroke. Tightly controlled blood sugar levels can reduce your stroke risk by one-third. While diabetes cannot be cured, you can help reduce your risk of stroke (as well as heart disease, kidney, and eye disease) through diet and medication. Diabetes causes numerous problems in the body like blood cholesterol rises and healing power reduces, increased chance of stroke. So, better to keep diabetes under control.
4. Exercise: Those who don’t exercise are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases. Individuals who are inactive are at twice the risk for heart disease and stroke. Regular physical activity helps fight heart disease and other conditions related to stroke. Sedentary lifestyles can cause elevated blood pressure, weight gain, and cause your LDL/HDL ratio to be in the unhealthy range. The good news is that beginning an exercise regime can reverse the course. Everyone should get some time for moderate exercise daily. Even a brisk walk can be helpful.
By following the tips given above you will be able to reduce your chances of heart stroke to almost minimal. So, eat healthy, think positively and do regular exercise can help you to live a long healthy life.
