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There are two types of stroke :
Figure 1 : Ischemic Stroke : The picture shows a blood vessel ( artery ) that has been blocked , resulting in Ischemic stroke .
Figure 2 : Hemorrhagic Stroke : The picture shows a blood vessel ( artery ) that has ruptured , resulting in Hemorrhagic stroke .
Who is likely to get a stroke ?
Anyone can get stroke ; however , the following people are more likely to get a stroke , i . e ., they have high-risk stroke factors : People over the age of 50years , Men , People with a family member who has had a stroke , People with Hypertension , Diabetes Mellitus , High cholesterol , Heart disease , Cigarette smokers , and Sickle cell disease . Other risk factors include ; obese people , people with little physical activity , alcohol abuse , and illicit drug abuse .
Special risk of stroke in Diabetes Mellitus ( DM )
Diabetes Mellitus , when not adequately managed , is associated with long-term complications . It causes various large and small artery disorders . The arteries most commonly involved include those in the brain , heart , kidneys , and the limbs , resulting in a stroke , ischemic heart disease , kidney disease , and diabetic foot . Poorly controlled blood sugar ( hyperglycemia ) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in these organs and consequent higher death rates . Patients with DM have higher mortality and poorer post-stroke outcomes . Hypertension is present in more than 50 % of patients with DM . The combination of DM with hypertension significantly increases the risk of stroke . Diabetes mellitus , amongst other factors such as hypertension , high cholesterol , cigarette smoking , accelerates the clogging of arteries ( atherosclerosis )
Figure 3 , increasing the risk of developing ischemic stroke , ischemic heart disease , and diabetic foot .
Healthy artery
Plaque formation
Plaque accumulation
Blocked by a blood clot
Figure 3 : Progression of “ clogging ” of arteries ( atherosclerosis )
How do you recognize that a person has had a stroke ?
A stroke is a medical emergency . Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify . Unfortunately , the lack of awareness that a person may have a stroke can lead to death . The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize symptoms of a stroke . Stroke symptoms are sudden . Patients may present with sudden : -
• weakness of the arms and legs on one side of the body
• facial muscle weakness
• inability to speak
• unsteadiness and fall
• visual impairment or vision loss
• confusion / disorientation .
How to spot a stroke ?
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