It is important to be aware of the connection between Atherosclerosis and Stroke as this can have a significant impact on our health. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a buildup of fats and other substances (known as plaque) starts to accumulate in the walls of your arteries, resulting in them becoming narrowed and blocked over time. This can ultimately lead to a range of serious medical conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. Stroke refers to a sudden breaking off or interruption in the blood supply to part of the brain, which can result in a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the major blood vessels of your body known as the arteries, whereby fatty material accumulates on the walls of the artery leading to their narrowing or blocking of the blood supply to vital organs. This is a progressive condition which means that the disease will slowly get worse over time and can be the result of various factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, stress and high blood pressure.
How does Atherosclerosis Increase the Risk of Stroke?
The buildup of plaque in the arteries caused by Atherosclerosis can lead to a narrowing and blockage of the arteries in the neck, which ultimately increases the risk of stroke. Narrowing and narrowing of the neck arteries can restrict the flow of blood to the brain and can eventually cause a stroke. If a stroke occurs a person can experience temporary or permanent loss of muscle control, speech problems, vision problems, and cognitive deficits.
What steps can I take to reduce my risk of Atherosclerosis and Stroke?
The good news is that there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of Atherosclerosis and Stroke. These include:
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol can help reduce your risk of Atherosclerosis and Stroke.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Becoming overweight increases the risk of Atherosclerosis and Stroke.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of Atherosclerosis and Stroke by maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for Atherosclerosis and Stroke, so quitting smoking is an important step to take to reduce the risk of stroke.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can contribute to the development of Atherosclerosis and Stroke, so reducing stress levels is a key step in reducing the risk of both.
Making sure to take these steps can help reduce the risk of Atherosclerosis and having a stroke. It is important to be aware of the connection between Atherosclerosis and Stroke as it can have a significant impact on your health. If you have any questions or concerns it is important to speak to your doctor.
