To mark World Stroke Day, i-Health highlights the warning signs, risk factors for men and women, and the importance of prevention.
A stroke is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Early recognition and immediate medical attention can save lives and reduce serious consequences.
Which Symptoms Should Never Be Ignored?
Watch for the sudden onset of:
- facial drooping or one corner of the mouth dropping;
- weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
- difficulty speaking or understanding speech;
- loss of vision, blurred vision or double vision;
- loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking;
- a severe, unusual headache.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention, even if they disappear after a few minutes. Temporary symptoms may indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) — a warning of a possible subsequent stroke.
Note when the symptoms started and do not delay seeking emergency care while waiting for a scheduled consultation.
What Are the Risk Factors for Men and Women?
Many of the main risk factors are shared by both sexes: high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, obesity and physical inactivity. Age, family history, and a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack also play a role.
For women, risk assessment also includes specific circumstances, such as pregnancy and the period after childbirth, a history of pre-eclampsia, and the use of certain hormonal contraceptives or hormone therapy. These factors require an individual medical assessment.
For men, managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and heart rhythm is equally important, even when there are no symptoms.
The main warning signs are similar in men and women. Stroke can also affect younger people — being young and physically fit does not eliminate the risk.
How Can We Reduce the Risk?
Prevention starts with understanding your personal risk factors and taking consistent care of your health:
- regularly checking and controlling blood pressure;
- monitoring cholesterol and blood glucose;
- diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders;
- stopping smoking;
- staying physically active and following a balanced diet;
- following prescribed treatment and attending preventive check-ups.
The need for further tests, including a carotid Doppler ultrasound, is determined by a doctor based on individual risk and clinical assessment.
A Consultation with Dr Vanya Deneva Through i-Health
Dr Vanya Deneva, PhD is a specialist in neurology. You can arrange a scheduled consultation through i-Health to assess neurological symptoms and discuss your individual risk.
You can now also book an appointment online through Book a Doctor.
Sudden stroke symptoms require immediate medical attention. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment.
Every minute counts.