World Stroke Day – October 29
STROKE PREVENTION
Mangaluru: October 29th was established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006 to spread public awareness of world’s high stroke risk and stroke prevalence. World Stroke Day 2017 aims at stroke prevention.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops or there is a tear in the blood vessel of the brain leading to brain hemorrhage. A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack”. If blood flow is cut off for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get nutrients and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing lasting damage.
What are the causes of stroke?
Ischemic and Hemorrhagic are 2 major types of stroke.
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot and also by clogging of arteries due to the plaque. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open. A hemorrhagic stroke may occur when people are taking blood thinners and also those who have high blood pressure. An ischemic stroke can develop bleeding and become hemorrhagic stroke.
Stroke – risk factors
Hypertension (Blood Pressure), Irregular heartbeat called arterial fibrillation, Diabetes, Family history of stroke, High Cholesterol, Increasing age, especially after age 55, Ethnicity, Cardiac Diseases, Smokers, high-fat-diet and lack of exercise, Women on birth control pills (especially those who smoke and are older than 35), Women who take hormone replacement therapy.
Stroke prevention
Addressing the risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, obesity, heart diseases, family history of stroke and smoking, lessens the chance of having stroke substantially.
On account of World Stroke Day, A J Hospital is offering Comprehensive stroke check-up at a concessional rate to screen patients who could be at risk for stroke from 1st to 30th November 2017. The check-up package is offered at Rs.2000/= against the actual cost of Rs.5430/= to include Blood investigations such as CBC, FBS, Serum Creatinine, Lipid Profile, Carotid Doppler study, ECG, CT Head (plain) and Consultation with Dr Suresh B V, Consultant Neurologist, A J Hospital & Research Centre. Check-up will be with prior appointment.
For appointments, please call 0824 6613165 or write to ajhlounge@gmail.com.
