The increase in age tends to increase the risk of stroke

By becoming the third leading cause of death, stroke is at the forefront of serious and old conditions. It is now well established that current lifestyles have only increased the number of diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, related to diet and activity patterns of all age groups. However, the predominance of stroke remains highest (about 60%) in elderly patients.

Increased metabolic and cardiovascular problems as well as other age-related problems make older adults more vulnerable to stroke. After every decade in a row after age 55, the stroke rate doubles. It has been observed that almost three-quarters of strokes occur in people over 65 years of age. Medical and functional outcomes badociated with high blood pressure, abnormally high comorbidity to cholesterol, lethality, impaired metabolism, decreased compliance, increased drug interactions, etc. . make seniors a group at higher risk of stroke. Although the severity of stroke appeared, pre-existing disability and atrial fibrillation (AF) count among the crucial independent forecasters related to the age of diagnosis after stroke.

However, the incidence of stroke increases rapidly with age, but it is not yet the immediate result of aging. Advances in the medical sciences over the past few years have been considerable and have significantly reduced the intensity of stroke as well as mortality, thus leading to greater survival. This has allowed an increase in life expectancy in the oldest part of society.

But to understand the demographics of stroke, it becomes important to understand the stroke itself.

Is a stroke the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack occurs when blood flow in one part of the heart is blocked and the heart muscle begins to die. But a stroke is more of a brain attack because in his case, the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is cut off.

Recognize a stroke
The signs of stroke are often confused with other conditions, especially in older generations, because they already have multiple problems. They do not identify new symptoms early in an acute stroke. They refer to other diseases such as arthritis, weakness, headaches or fatigue) and often do not take immediate action. It is important to differentiate between stroke and other diseases with similar symptoms such as epileptic seizures, low glucose risk disorders, brain tumors, fainting, etc.

Recognize stroke through initial symptoms, take early benefit from badessment and emergency treatment, and participate in intensive rehabilitation is imperative to determine the outcome of the stroke, more so in the elderly.

Although the symptoms are numerous, the easiest and most important steps to remember when recognizing a stroke are:

F: Falling face
A: Weakness of the arm
S: Difficulty in speech
T: It's time to seek medical badistance
Numbness, specific weakness of the body parts of one side of the body, confusion, misunderstanding, walking or vision, loss of balance, sudden dizziness, double vision / blurred vision and sore throat severe head. warning signs of stroke.

Lifestyle change affects everyone's health. The older generation has grown up in completely different conditions in terms of routine, environment or eating habits. To add to this, the aging body that is already weak becomes home to multiple health irregularities. Regardless of age, making healthy choices, whether it's food or physical activity, is crucial because it's not just something that's under our control, but a very important part of it. keep the body away from multiple health problems.

Risk factors for stroke
Risk factors and the incidence of stroke are skyrocketing in the elderly, particularly among those aged 75 and over, particularly because of comorbidity. Some of these major, rare and interdependent risk factors to avoid are:

Hypertension: Sign of structural and physiological abnormalities of vascular function, high blood pressure is an important factor of long-term risk of stroke.

Cholesterol: Even though it is very common, a high total cholesterol level and a reduction in high density lipoprotein levels lean the elderly towards ischemic strokes, which are the most common strokes.

Diabetes: The increase in total body fat and visceral adiposity with age often comes with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are two major factors of stroke.

Atrial fibrillation (AF): The most common clinically relevant dysrhythmia in people younger than 75 years is strongly related to ischemic stroke. AF is also the most treatable cardiac precursor of a stroke.

Treatment for stroke
Any patient with symptoms of stroke should visit the hospital equipped with stroke within 4.5 hours The injection to burst the clot (thrombolysis IV) can only be administered to the patient only within 4.5 hours of onset of symptoms in case of ischemic stroke. In some patients, intra-arterial thrombectomy can be performed within 24 hours of onset of symptoms in hospitals where an interventional radiology department is available.

That is why it is very important to go to the hospital equipped with stroke as soon as possible because "Time is the brain".

Small steps towards prevention
But a stroke can be avoided. all he needs is some personal care. Although there are many treatments that allow you to come out healthy after a stroke; Choosing a healthier lifestyle every day can keep your body fit, healthy and immune to strokes. The following points are essential to avoid strokes, especially in the elderly:

• Sufficient physical activity
• Consumption of nutritious foods
• Controlling hypertension
• Resolve dyslipidemia
• Manage diabetes
• Stop smoking
• AF anticoagulant,
• Maintain blood pressure

Contributed by Dr. Advait Kulkarni Neurologist Consultant, Columbia Asia Hospital – Sarjapur Road