new reality of strokes, according to study

In Spain, stroke has become one of the major public health issues. More than 120,000 people suffer a stroke in the country every year. Data from the Spanish Society of Neurology classify this pathology as one of the most common in our country. However, on a global scale Stroke is the second cause of death after myocardial infarction..

In Spain, strokes are also the second leading cause of death. Especially among women, and one of The main causes of serious disability in adults. These data reflect the seriousness of the disease, which not only takes lives, but also leaves irreversible consequences in many patients. Something that should be tested with a very extensive study published Lancet Neurologywhich takes an in-depth look at the last three decades of stroke research and management.

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when cuts off blood flow to part of the brain. This can happen because an artery is blocked by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). Without enough oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can lead to permanent damage to brain function. Depending on the severity and area of ​​the lesion, the consequences of a stroke can be very different. Actually they can go due to problems with motor skills or speech to severe disability and even death.

Despite medical advances in the treatment of stroke and improved prevention campaigns, this pathology remains a significant threat. Response time is critical in stroke casesas treatment within the first hours can make the difference between successful recovery or living with the consequences. The Spanish Federation of Traumatic Brain Injuries explained something. Therefore, it is very important to quickly identify symptoms. Something like a sudden loss of strength on one side of the body. As well as difficulty speaking, vision problems, or sudden confusion.

New reality about strokes

Although Mortality from stroke has decreased in recent years Thanks to improved medical treatment and prevention, the situation has changed in other ways. According to the study Lancet NeurologyThe number of strokes in young people is increasing, posing an additional challenge to health systems. More and more people under the age of 50 are suffering from this disease. which is due to a combination of risk factors associated with modern lifestyles and changes in the ecological environment.

One of the main risk factors in An increase in stroke rates in young people is associated with high blood pressure. This condition, which often develops due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, can damage blood vessels and increase the chance of blood clots or ruptured arteries. In addition, a report from Journal of the American Medical Association warns of the risk that people with high blood pressure do not know it.

Obesity and pollution: two factors to consider

Along with hypertension Obesity has become another determining factoras explained in another study published in JAMA. Fat accumulation not only affects the heart, but also the blood vessels supplying the brain, which can contribute to stroke. Similarly, there are many publications that address the need to eliminate the association of age with the likelihood of stroke. Be younger as such This does not make us less likely to suffer from them.

In addition to personal factors, there are environmental factors that may contribute to the increased incidence of strokes in young people. Research links long-term exposure to polluted air with a greater risk of having a stroke, as we already said in GOAL. Pollutants in the air, especially in large cities, can cause inflammation of the arteries and trigger cardiovascular problems, which can ultimately lead to stroke. Thus, a combination of traditional and environmental risk factors has led to the disease affecting increasingly younger people.

How to reduce your risk of stroke

Despite the increasing incidence of stroke among young people, There are several ways to reduce your risk of suffering from one disease throughout your life.. One of the most effective is a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced and varied diet. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can help. Mainly by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, two key factors in stroke prevention. Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods rich in saturated fats and sugars is also important for preventing obesity and hypertension.

Regular exercise is another great tool for protect cardiovascular and brain health. Activities such as walking, running, swimming or cycling do more than just help you manage your weight. They also improve blood circulation and strengthen the heart and blood vessels. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to maintain good overall health. Which will reduce the risk of stroke.

Finally, Eliminating the consumption of toxic substances such as tobacco and alcohol is critical.. Smoking directly damages the walls of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to the development of heart disease. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation not only reduces the risk of stroke, but also improves overall health and prevents other serious diseases.