The Most Important Takeaways

Episode #10 of the course Stroke prevention: Living longer and better by Marselina Arshakyan

 

Welcome to the last lesson of the course.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, but controlling ten potentially modifiable risk factors can prevent 90% of strokes in all ages of men and women among all ethnic groups.

You’ve learned about these modifiable risk factors, as well as about non-modifiable and surprising risk factors for stroke, and now, knowing these risk factors, you can recognize them and keep them under control.

We’ve discussed the following modifiable risk factors:

• High blood pressure

• Atrial fibrillation

• Smoking

• Stress and depression

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Alcohol abuse

• Poor diet

• Diabetes and high cholesterol

non-modifiable risk factors:

• Stroke genetics

• Gender

• Age

• Race or ethnicity

and also, some surprising risk factors for stroke:

• Snoring

• Infections

• Pregnancy and oral contraceptives

• Migraines and pain relievers

• Air pollution

So far, you’re aware of stroke prevention recommendations and guidelines and how to cope with each of the modifiable risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices and also the most recent data on stroke research.

In recent years, a growing number of studies also focused on the identification of anti-stroke medicinal compounds that can offer an opportunity to develop new anti-stroke drugs. In this regard, promising results have been published recently, indicating the potential of 19 compounds from traditional Chinese medicine.

The last important thing I want to bring to your attention is that a stroke is a medical emergency, and if identified immediately and treated quickly, can not only save the person’s life but also avoid severe stroke-induced disability. If you ever see or have the warning signs of stroke, which are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or sudden severe headache with no known cause, you have to think and act FAST:

• Face dropping. Ask for a smile. Does one side droop?

• Arm weakness. When raised, does one side drift down?

• Speech difficulty. Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Does he or she have trouble or slur words?

• Time. Time is critical. Call emergency services immediately if any symptoms are present.

Now, you’re fully equipped with knowledge on how to LIVE LONGER AND BETTER!

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with the most important message of this course:

Don’t wait until you have symptoms of a stroke or suffer permanent disabilities to do something about your risk factors. Take action in advance!

Take care,

Marselina A.

P.S. World stroke day is October 29th.

 

Recommended book

My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor

 

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