Neurological: Cerebrovascular Accidents
QUESTION
List the risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents and why?
Neurological: Cerebrovascular Accidents
ANSWER
After heart disease and cancer, the third leading cause of death is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as paralysis or hemiplegia. CVA is common in older people and anyone who has the risk factors listed below. Neurological systems will be affected as a result of a CVA. CVA is caused by abnormalities in the cerebral vascular system, including atherosclerosis from high cholesterol and cerebral artery blockage from clots in the bloodstream. The clot that is blocking the vessel has the potential to destroy the cerebral cells. When the cerebral vascular system is blocked or a brain hemorrhage occurs, the majority of patients experience immediate neurological symptoms. As a result, we should avoid the following risk factors that may result in a CVA:
1. High blood pressure
This disease can cause blood vessel degeneration. The flexibility and strength of the blood vessel wall are reduced as high pressures affect it. According to medical statistics, 35-73 percent of patients with brain disease also have hypertension.
Diabetes type 2
After hypertension, this is the second most common cause of CVA.
Obesity is number three.
Obese people are more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, or both.
4. Hypercholesterolemia
As a result of the inflexibility of the cerebral blood vessel wall, the vessel may become blocked. There will be a lack of blood if a blood vessel blockage occurs near the cerebral area. The brain cells would die, leaving the person paralyzed.
5. Habits of smoking and drinking
These habits cause the blood vessel wall to weaken. Smokers’ vessel walls are more fragile than nonsmokers’.
Sixth, blood concentration
There is a high risk of CVA if the hemoglobin level is higher than normal.
7. Cardiovascular diseases
Valvular heart disease or congestive heart failure
8. Medicines
Some medications are not suitable for hypertensive patients. (For example, birth control pills)
9. Age-related macular degeneration
This has an effect on the blood vessels as well.