In France, there are nearly 150,000 strokes each year in France, i.e. one every 4 minutes, according to the Stroke Research Foundation. If the average age of onset fluctuates around 74 years, the incidence of strokes has been undergoing a worrying increase for several years in younger populations. At issue: our lifestyles which favor the well-known risk factors for stroke. According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, 10 potentially modifiable risk factors are associated with the occurrence of 90% of strokes. Here are the main…
1. High blood pressure: risk factor for stroke
High blood pressure is the main risk factor for stroke. Indeed, the high pressure exerted by the blood flow on the arterial walls contributes to their thickening and hardening, while the structures of lesser caliber are weakened. The risk of hemorrhagic rupture or thrombosis is therefore greatly increased. In people whose hypertension has been diagnosed, the question of careful medical monitoring is paramount. At the same time, the implementation of hygiene and dietary measures, such as the adoption of a diversified diet and the practice of regular physical activity, constitutes a highly recommended prevention tool.
2. Smoking
Regular tobacco consumption doubles the risk of stroke compared to a non-smoker. In women who smoke using hormonal contraception (the pill), this risk is even multiplied by 4. By reducing the oxygenation of organs and vascular structures, smoking contributes to altering the vasomotricity of the arteries and to promoting the aggregation of platelets which, eventually can form blood clots. When a thrombus forms in the brain, the risk of stroke is major. Smoking cessation remains the only effective alternative to reduce the risk of cigarette-related stroke. One year after quitting, the risk of cardiovascular events is considerably reduced (according to Tobacco Info Service).
3. Overweight and obesity
Being overweight increases the risk of stroke by 22% and obesity increases it by 64% (Stroke Research Foundation). Indeed, being overweight increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease, all of which are formally identified risk factors for stroke. Only a weight loss of between 7 and 10% in overweight people can reduce these various risks. In people suffering from obesity, medical support is desirable. Very often, it is necessary to make in-depth changes in eating habits in order to limit the very frequent “yo-yo” effect after a drastic diet. Fashionable diets must be banned in favor of a real rebalancing of food associated with appropriate and regular physical activity.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption
Like tobacco, alcohol represents a major risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, in particular because of its influence on many pathologies linked to cardiovascular disorders, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, overweight or even atrial fibrillation. To avoid a stroke related to overconsumption of alcoholic beverages, the French health authorities have set the maximum limit at 2 units of alcohol for men and 1 unit of alcohol for women per day, with 2 to 3 consecutive days without alcohol every week. When controlling one’s consumption is difficult, it may be interesting to be accompanied by one’s attending physician or by a specialist in addictology.
5. Sedentary lifestyle
Also linked to “modern” lifestyles, a sedentary lifestyle is a real scourge, as it has many deleterious effects on health. The lack – or even the absence – of daily physical activity increases the risk of stroke by 25 to 30% compared to a person whose practice of sport is regular. The more you move, the lower the risk of stroke. Current recommendations state that an adult should get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week (based on the World Health Organization (WHO)).
6. Food
More than 33% of strokes are associated with poor diet, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention). Diabetes, excess cholesterol, overweight, obesity are all risk factors increased by an unbalanced diet. However, adaptations and changes in habits can considerably reduce these various risks. So, WHO recommends adopting a Mediterranean-type diet based on a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, fatty fish (2 servings per week), legumes and oilseeds. Red meat, on the other hand, is to be avoided, as are all processed products that are too rich in sugar, salt and fat.
Sources:
Tobacco Info Service, Stroke Research Foundation, World Health Organization, Ministry of Health and Prevention
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