Sudden Strike - Hypertension

By Jammie Rodriguez

Stroke is frequently perceived as a problem that comes with old age but in reality, even the young and sporty can be vulnerable. Expert Neurosurgeon Timothy Lee shares some knowledge about the condition.

A stroke can affect anyone. Case in point: Popular local radio DJ Rod Monteiro. Despite being comparatively young at 44, and leading a sporty lifestyle including running marathons and cycling frequently, Mr Monteiro made the news lately when he suffered a stroke while at work. Even children aren't spared. Expert Doctor Doctor Timothy Lee?s youngest patient for stroke was just 12 years in age. ?He fainted and was discovered to be bleeding from a congenital artery affliction. We had to operate on him instantly,? Asserted Doctor Lee.

While you will have little control over congenital issues, there are risk indicators which can be moderated to prevent or scale back the prospect of a stroke. Things which you can do actively include adopting a healthy diet, avoid smoking and handling diabetes and hypertension if you have got the conditions.

Stroke also needn't be viewed as a permanently devitalizing condition. According to Doctor Lee, about 50% of all patients who suffer a stroke make an excellent recovery, usually within the first 3 months.

Doctor Lee's young patient is an example of one success story. He made a superb recovery and returned to school. He even regained the top position in his class, shared Dr Lee.

Q&A

What's a stroke?

A stroke is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted - either due to blockage or bleeding, starving brain cells of mandatory oxygen and glucose, and leading to brain damage which can manifest in impairment to speech, movement and memory.According to Doctor Lee, usually (about 80%), the stroke is thanks to a blocked artery; while bleeding accounts for the rest. Both result in an absence of blood flow to the brain and a build-up of pressure in the brain which leads to the death of brain cells.

How can one tell if someone is having a stroke?

The common indications are weakness or numbness of the limbs and a sudden headache. Transient weakness or numbness are possible warning signs of a blocked artery, while a unexpected and peculiar headache could be a sign of internal bleeding. Slurring of speech or unexpected blurred or double vision are possible tell tale indications too.

Will it help if you get to a doctor quickly?

Like most sicknesses, the earlier you get treated, the better. Prompt treatment can make a major difference in one's prognosis for recovery.

Are all strokes the same?

Not all strokes are alike and they can be of different severity. The impact of a stroke depends upon what proportion of the brain is influenced and the location. Smaller strokes may cause weakness on one side of the body, difficulty talking and incontinence. Bigger strokes may lead to paralysis. Some strokes can be fatal.

What risk indicators should I watch out for to prevent a stroke?

I occasionally use the acronym Cholesterol DISH to summarise the key risks factors that can end up in a blocked artery. "D" is for Diabetes; "I" for "I or myself", which essentially means your genetics; "S" is for Smoking; and "H" is for Hypertension. As for the other major reason for stroke -bleeding, the primary risk factor to monitor is hypertension.

Can anything be done to offset the occurrence of a second stroke after a patient has suffered the first one?

You must first try to lower the risk factors. While you can not be able to do something about your genetics, you can help yourself by making lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking and opting for a healthier diet. It is also necessary to get correct medical attention and medicine, for instance an anti-platelet agent could be prescribed by the doctor to open the blocked artery. Regular medications might be required to control diabetes, high cholesterol or hypertension.

What's the treatment for stroke patients?

The main objective is to restore brain function and prevent future strokes. Aside from the employment of an anti-platelet agent, surgery to get rid of a narrowing in the artery may occasionally be required. Post-stroke, rehabilitation might be necessary to help the patient recover and recover mobility.

Final words of advice

Listen to your doctors and therapists, and follow their instructions. It's critical to regulate the danger factors and don?t stop your medication without deliberating it first with your doctor.

About the Author:

To get some more information on hypertension & high blood pressure, visit the Mount Alvernia Hospital website. Doctor Timothy Lee's hospital is at Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A, Unit 02-23. Wariness & treatment for hypertension.

A few of the Top Factors Causing Hypertension

By Roz Glendenthal

It's not always easy to identify the cause of high blood pressure, as there are many elements that can contribute to hypertension, and in some cases it isn't even possible to find a cause. To avoid other potential complications you'll want to get a diagnosis early. Knowing the causes can help you avoid them.

Adrenal and thyroid conditions that go untreated can contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be caused by hypothyroidism. Problems in the adrenal gland can also cause your high blood pressure. A number of symptoms can be associated with these conditions such as fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain. People often live with these conditions for a long time without realizing it, as they can only be detected by medical tests. Treatment usually consists of prescription medication.

While people of any age can have high blood pressure, the risk increases as you age. Both men and women are more prone to hypertension as they age, but men are more likely to develop it sooner.

If you are obese your risk for other health problems and high blood pressure are often greater given early warning signs. One way to reduce risk is to start an exercise regimen and change your diet.

People who have certain long term illnesses have a greater than average risk of developing high blood pressure. Kidney disease is one common cause of high blood pressure, especially in the elderly. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can also bring about high blood pressure, as this disease often causes damage to the kidneys. If there is a family history of either kidney disease or diabetes, you are at a greater risk for developing these problems. Your doctor should be monitoring your blood pressure if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or any kind of kidney disease and may prescribe medication to manage it.

While many factors, such as age, diet, smoking and stress can contribute to it, even experts have not identified a specific cause in the majority of cases. If you want to know if you have high blood pressure, the only way is to have it checked by a medical professional. The important thing is that, no matter what the cause, high blood pressure can be treated and managed, either by lifestyle changes alone or with the help of medication.

One way to control your blood pressure is to pay attention to your cholesterol level. There are two types of cholesterol you have to pay attention to, often called good and bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, is the kind that blocks the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Certain types of food can contribute to high blood pressure. One of these foods, salt, is well known for its role in hypertension which is why doctors recommend a low sodium diet. Junk food, sugar and unhealthy fats all have a bearing on blood pressure. Add vegetables and fruits to your diet to avoid needing more treatment for your hypertension. While your diet is one cause there are others.

The above information is meant to open your eyes to some of the causes of high blood pressure you need to be aware of. If you have any risk factors, such as being overweight, having diabetes or a kidney problem or a family history of hypertension, you should get regular checkups and ask your doctor about the best way to control your blood pressure.

High blood pressure isn't always noticed or diagnosed until it's gone way beyond just hypertension which is why it is referred to as a silent killer. By having your doctor check your blood pressure regularly, and becoming familiar with the causes of hypertension, such as the ones we've been focusing on in this article, you can be in a better position to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

About the Author:

This author enjoys writing about health related subjects for websites such as this site for nurses.