With around 795,000 Americans sufferings strokes each year, it's critical to take steps so you can avoid this medical emergency. And that means knowing what can trigger a stroke as well as your risk factors. When you're equipped with knowledge, you can find the motivation to take action.
Can stress cause a stroke? Keep reading to find out, and learn how Manitowoc seniors can stay healthy.
A stroke is an emergency situation when blood stops flowing to your brain. This may be due to:
When someone is experiencing a stroke, they may fall to the ground or lose movement in part of their body, like an arm. Symptoms often are sudden with a stroke, so you'll need to seek help or act on someone's behalf quickly.
Without prompt medical attention in Manitowoc, you may experience paralysis or, worse yet, lose your life. Other common outcomes of a stroke include visions issues or a sense of numbness where the stroke occurred. You could end up with lifelong problems that require ongoing care.
In short, a stroke can lead to a host of problems that affect your ability to lead a normal life. You may struggle with speaking clearly or find that your memory is not what it used to be. And you may be more likely to deal with mood swings or depression as a result.
In general, heightened levels of stress are not good for your health. And that statement applies to the potential for experiencing a stroke. When you're feeling stressed, your body may face:
Maintaining strong brain health in older adults should be a priority. After all, the effects of stress on aging can be debilitating if ignored. That means finding ways to limit feelings of worry or loneliness that can start to dominate thoughts.
Finding the right sources of emotional support can help control blood pressure spikes and enrich your life. Joining a community club in Manitowoc, for instance, or joining friends for lunch are easy ways to divert your mind from negative thoughts. And seniors should consult counselors or trusted individuals if they feel like stress is a chronic problem.
Generally, staying active and involved are the best ways to keep your heart rate under control so you're less likely to deal with possible health problems. Backing away from social opportunities, by contrast, can cause seniors to spend more time worrying and stressing about situations.
The sooner you get medical attention for a stroke in Manitowoc, the better your chances of experiencing a useful intervention. But you'll need to know the common stroke symptoms to take the right steps quickly. Look for:
If you feel any of these symptoms, it's vital to seek medical care immediately and call 911. Stroke specialists will evaluate you and identify the type and severity of stroke before offering treatment. You'll lower the chances of brain damage by getting help urgently.
As for treatment, you may need medication to reduce blood clots and thin your blood. Or, in severe instances that affect mobility and speech, rehabilitation could be necessary. For strokes where mobility is hindered, you can expect weeks or months of working to rebuild movements.
How do you know if you're at a high risk for a stroke? You'll need to take stock of your lifestyle habits and family history to make an accurate assessment of stroke risk.
You may have a genetic connection to strokes if you have family members who've had them in the past. Research your family history to know if you have an elevated risk. Other contributing factors to a higher risk of stroke include:
Leading a sedentary lifestyle with minimal walking can cause higher blood pressure, which can cause a stroke. Likewise, eating a diet that's high in sodium or sugar can raise blood pressure. Smoking can make blood more likely to clot and hurt blood vessels, raising the risk, as well.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile and raise their arms. And ask them to talk. If they are unable to do these tasks as they normally would, it's time to get medical care.
Managing stress for seniors in Manitowoc is a crucial point of intervention. Limiting stressful situations and filling your time with engaging activities are key strategies to help reduce health issues that could cause a stroke. When it comes to senior stroke prevention, you should:
Focus on eating fresh vegetables and whole grains to get your blood pressure under control. Additionally, bananas and beans are excellent sources of potassium, which can help your blood pressure, too.
Make a point of moving each day, whether through walks in a Manitowoc park or community exercise classes. You can try yoga or other practices that prioritize mindfulness, too, to help ease stress.
Don't retreat from social invitations. Instead, put yourself out there to deepen connections with friends and maintain an alert brain. You'll also expand your support network to help you deal with stressful moments.
Work with your doctor to address high blood pressure risks. If eating habit adjustments and exercise don't remedy the problem, you may need medication to control hypertension.
Are you still wondering, "Can stress cause a stroke?" A variety of factors, including poor lifestyle habits and stress, can raise the risk of stroke. You can take control of your health by investing in healthier habits and consulting with your medical provider to limit the potential for problems.
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