Why Stroke Are More Common In Winter: The winter season sees a lot of stroke cases. The cold weather and the cool breeze may cause blood pressure to increase. These can be fatal for people who have a history of stroke or cardiac arrest or those on medication for blood thinners.
How Weather Plays A Role?
A study published in Germany revealed that those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk had increased chances of having a stroke in cold weather.
There is no exact evidence on why this happens, but there are several theories from experts. Some believe that the constriction of blood vessels in the cold can cause the blood to spike, which leads to a higher chance of stroke. While others believe that it is due to the increased risk of blood clots in extreme weather.
Whatever the main cause, there are also other factors associated with stroke during the winter season. These include:
- many people eat more and move less
- high stress from home and work
- seasonal depression
- existing heart condition
- stroke history
Therefore, people who have a history of stroke must take extra precautions, especially when there are extreme changes in the weather.
What Are The Stroke Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of stroke can help you recognise an attack before it strikes. In that way, you can see your doctor for immediate medical treatment before it gets worse.
Some of the most common symptoms of a stroke are:
- headaches
- slurred speech or trouble understanding one
- numbness in the face, legs, shoulders, and one part/side of the body
- paralysis
- blurred vision or vision loss
- nausea and vomiting
Regular medical check-ups are critical in recognising stroke symptoms before they become devastating.
How To Prevent Stroke During Winter?
There are plenty of ways to decrease stroke risks. These include:
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Get Active
Participate in a 30-minute activity every day. Consult with your doctor to know what exercises would be best for you.
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Eat Healthily
Eating healthy may sometimes mean consuming less sodium. Use less salt with your foods and try to stick with unprocessed food.
Consume a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Eat foods with heart-healthy fats and fibre-rich whole grains.
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Know Your Numbers
Do regular monitoring of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride numbers. Talk to your GP about what the numbers mean. They will recommend the best ways to manage them.
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Avoid Vices
Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol can trigger hypertension, which is a major stroke risk factor. Eliminate alcohol or cut down alcohol from your diet.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and tobacco products. Tobacco is also a risk factor for stroke, and it is best not to use it.
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Maintain A Healthy BMI
Being overweight or obese can increase your chance of developing several health problems, including stroke. Know your body mass index (BMI) and assess the numbers with your doctor.
Takeaway
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, symptoms can slowly develop into serious chronic diseases. It can lead to brain damage, long-term disability, and worse- death. Apply preventative measures mentioned above to lower your risk of stroke.
If you have questions about your stroke risk, it is best to contact your doctor. You can also enrol in a First Aid Training course to learn how to respond to a stroke emergency.
The faster medical help is received, the better the chances of a full recovery. Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and administering first aid can make all the difference in saving a life or reducing the long-term effects of a stroke.
Learning first aid is an essential skill that can help you respond quickly and effectively in a stroke emergency. First aid courses teach participants how to recognize the signs of a stroke, call for emergency medical assistance, and provide initial care to the stroke victim before the ambulance arrives.
Visit the First Aid Course Perth for more information.
