Insufficient physical activity, smoking, and extended periods of sitting during traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. jobs are significant contributors to high blood pressure and diabetes. These factors, in turn, increase the susceptibility of young individuals to strokes.
Professionals’ Stroke Warning Signs: Prioritizing Health
According to Prof. R K Garg, HoD, neurology at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), “Professionals between 40 and 50 years of age are trying hard to push their career.” Garg said that there are early warning signs that need to be taken seriously. “These symptoms, one may think are temporary due to workload, but these are early warning signs,” said Prof. Garg. “Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble in speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes, sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause are early warning signals,” he said.Prof. Kauser Usman, senior faculty member, department of medicine, KGMU, said that “Hypertension is becoming common among office going people, chasing deadlines.”
“Pregnant women too suffer with hypertension and gestational diabetes. This makes them vulnerable to stroke particularly to hemorrhagic stroke,” said Dr. Amita Shukla, senior gynaecologist, SC Trivedi Memorial Trust hospital.
Understanding Strokes: Types and Causes of a ‘Brain Attack’
A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack”, happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. There are primarily three types of strokes, the first being ischemic stroke, which is most common, caused by a blocked artery from a blood clot. Here, blood is prevented from reaching part of the brain. Secondly hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding. High blood pressure and aneurysms can lead to this type of stroke. Third type is transient ischemic attack also called a ‘mini stroke’. It is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.
