Stroke Prevention & Warning Signs Guide

The long-term complications of stroke (which happens when something prevents the brain from receiving enough blood flow) may involve physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, such as weakness, paralysis, speech and swallowing issues (dysphagia), vision loss, memory issues, etc.

But there are some signs of stroke that, when identified early, can prove to be lifesaving steps. Let's explore how.

Early Warning Signs of Stroke

The signs and symptoms of a stroke happen quickly. But they can develop over hours or even days. If you recognize the following signs, consult your doctor immediately.

BEFAST | The Easy Way to Recognize

B - Balance: Loss of balance.
E - Eyes: Sudden blurry vision or double vision.
F - Face Drooping: Feels numb when asked to smile.
A - Arm Weakness: Arm drifts downward when asked to raise.
S - Speech Difficulty: Trouble speaking or understanding.
T - Time to call for help for immediate action for stroke prevention.

How Can Stroke Affect You Physically

It can lead to the following conditions:

Paralysis
Weakness
Problem in Coordination
Balance Problems
Spasticity
Foot Drop
Difficulty in Speech
Language Issues

Why Is Early Recognition of a Stroke Important?

It helps people to take immediate action and seek emergency care. Early treatment can lower the risk of permanent damage, increasing the chances of a full recovery.

How to Prevent a Stroke | The Right Steps

Here are some stroke prevention lifestyle changes that you can adopt after consulting your doctor.

1. Keep Blood Pressure in Healthy Range

High blood pressure harms arteries, which can cause clots and increase the chances of stroke. Follow your doctor’s prescription and maintain a healthy diet to keep it under 120/80 mmHg.

2. Consume Healthy Food Items

Eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. This helps lower cholesterol and avoid plaque buildup in arteries that can block blood flow to the brain.

3. Engage in Regular Exercise (Aim for 150 Minutes Weekly)

Brisk walking or swimming helps improve blood circulation and control weight, reducing the risk of clots.

4. Say No to Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels and encourages clotting, increasing the risk of clotting. Quitting allows arteries to heal and reduces the risk.

5. Weight in a Healthy Range

Excessive body fat, especially around the middle, increases blood pressure and diabetes, contributing to the increased risk of stroke. Hence, balancing your weight through diet and activity keeps blood sugar regulated and vessels clear.

6. Limit Your Daily Alcohol Consumption

More than 1-2 drinks daily increases blood pressure and irregular heartbeats; hence, avoiding excessive drinking prevents vessel damage.

7. Manage Diabetes

High blood sugar can thicken blood and harm blood vessels. Follow your doctor's prescription and avoid small vessel blockages common in strokes.

8. 7-9 Hours Nightly Proper Sleep

Proper sleep supports vessel repair and hormone balance. This helps lower the overall risk of stroke.

Note: These tips are for educational purposes only; for the right stroke management, consult a healthcare professional only.

Stroke Prevention Lifestyle Changes

Focus on fruits, vegetables
No saturated and trans fats
Stay hydrated
Move more
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage stress
Follow your doctor’s prescription for high blood pressure and diabetes

When to Consult Your Doctor

Consult the right doctor for the following condition.

If you notice BEFAST signs
Family history of stroke
Excessive smoking and drinking habits
If you have high-risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

As per the experts, 80% of strokes are preventable; all you need is to take immediate action for stroke prevention, like following doctor advice, managing high blood pressure, diet, exercise, and quitting smoking.