What comes into your mind the moment you hear the condition called stroke? If you feel fear and sadness, then you have a good idea how debilitating this condition is. Stroke happens when the brain cells die due to the lack of oxygen. The flow of oxygen to the brain may be cut off because of blood flow obstruction, or rupture of an artery that is connected to the brain. Individuals who suffer from stroke are almost helpless – part of their body is paralyzed, they have problems remembering things and even lose the ability to speak.

Types

There are two types of stroke- ischemic and hemorrhagic. The first is the most common, accounting for nearly 3 out of 4 cases. It happens when a blood clot forms and blocks the flow of the blood to a part of the brain. The other type of stroke, hemorrhagic, happens when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and gets in between the brain and skull with blood. Both stroke types restrict the flow of blood to the brain as well as blood build-up that puts a lot of pressure on the brain.

Risk Factors

One of the most common misconceptions about stroke is that it only happens to old people. The truth is that anyone can suffer from it.  However, most men aged over 55 years old are the most common sufferers of stroke. It has also been observed that people with African American, Hispanic and Asian lineage are likely to get afflicted with this condition. Genetics can also a play a role, as a family history of stroke increases the likelihood that a person will suffer from it.

One’s lifestyle is considered a major risk factor of stroke. People who smoke cigarettes are considered at high risk of getting afflicted with stroke. The same goes for people who have high levels of cholesterol, with diabetes and overweight. Smaller strokes may result in minor complications like weakness of arm or leg. But larger strokes can lead to paralysis and even death. Most stroke patients have difficulties in speaking, paralyzed on one side of the body and deal with bladder problems.

Prevention

Since lifestyle is a major risk factor of stroke, lifestyle changes are essential in preventing this condition. Blood pressure, for one, should be kept under control by regular exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight and avoiding excessive intake of sodium and alcohol. Smoking should be avoided as well. Management of diabetes through diet, exercise and weight control also helps in preventing stroke.

Medications may also be given to prevent blood clotting that can result to stroke. Drugs like Pradaxa and Plavix can help in decreasing the chances of a stroke. Pradaxa is an oral anticoagulant that makes the blood thinner and prevents blood to clot. Plavix, meanwhile, is an anti-platelet drug that avoids clumping and forming of platelets. Both drugs are taken once a day, or as prescribed by a physician.  These medications can be part of an applicable preventive method against stroke.