ABCDs of Stroke Prevention

Stroke is one of the leading causes of permanent disability and early death in our society. It happens if the blood supply to any part of the brain is interrupted either due to the blockage or rupture of an artery supplying blood to that part of the brain.

The damage caused by the lack of blood flow even to a small part of brain can be deadly because these minuscule parts of the brain control very important life functions. For example, an extremely tiny area (the size of a pinhead!) controls the respiratory function. If this respiratory centre is damaged, we cannot breathe and survive!

Moreover, despite advances in stroke treatment, it still remains quite elementary and ineffective.

THEREFORE, THE IMPORTANCE OF STROKE PREVENTION CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASISED

The ABCDs of stroke prevention are as follow:

A : Prevention and early detection of irregular heart rhythm called Atrial fibrillation: It is a very common cause of stroke. Often, this rhythm occurs on and off for only a few seconds. It leads to clot formation in the heart which moves to the arteries of brain and blocks them.

Regular cardiac evaluation after the age of 50-55 years and use of wearable ECG devices or home ECG monitoring can detect this abnormality and treatment to prevent blood clot started at the earliest.

B: Detection and control of High Blood Pressure which is the leading cause of stroke worldwide, especially at young ages. High blood pressure causes two types of stroke:

1. Any artery of the brain can burst due to high blood pressure leading to brain haemorrhage. This not only stops the flow of blood to the area of supply but also compresses the brain structure. The higher the blood pressure, the more severe is leakage, causing extensive damage and sometimes even death.

2. High blood pressure can damage the lining of arteries leading to their blockage by plaques and blood clots

Regular blood pressure measurement and keeping it in the normal ( below 120/80 mm Hg) range is of prime importance throughout adulthood (beginning from adolescence).

C : Control of high Cholesterol levels in the blood. Excess Cholesterol gets deposited in the walls of arteries leading to the narrowing of the lumen (size of the tube through which blood flows). These cholesterol plaques can suddenly rupture leading to release of a sticky material on which a blood clot can form and completely block the artery. If it happens in the brain, it can lead to stroke.

Maintaining blood cholesterol level in normal range by regular monitoring, diet, exercise and if needed, medications is important for preventing stroke.

D : Prevention and control of Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage the walls of blood vessels and increase the risk of clot formation within the arteries.

Regular blood sugar measurement, healthy diet, exercise an appropriate medication, if needed are essential to prevent and control diabetes and prevent stroke.