October 29, World Stroke Day (World Stroke Day)

STROKE can be prevented with preventive health examinations.

The incidence of stroke (stroke) worldwide is increasing exponentially. And there is an increasing incidence of the disease in young people. From the report of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, it was found that in 2022, stroke It is the number one cause of death in Thailand. Even though it's well known If a stroke patient can be taken to the hospital To receive timely treatment, within 4 hours the patient will be able to restore his body to normal.

“But protection... It's better than fixing it.”

Risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure Eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of exercise If these factors can be fixed It can prevent up to 90% of strokes, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the incidence of stroke. Along with related diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, they are the leading causes of death and suffering worldwide. Health examination to assess risk factors Therefore, it is one way to help prevent stroke as follows:

1. Blood test to look for risk factors for atherosclerosis and blockage.

Complete blood count (CBC) to assess the amount of red blood cells. This is due to an excessive number of red blood cells. Increases the chance of clumping easily. Risk of clogging of blood vessels Blood test to find indicators of inflammation in the body through C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) because inflammation stimulates the destruction of blood vessel tissue and tissue within the body. and risk assessment, looking at sugar and fat levels and homocysteine ​​levels (Homocysteine) in order to maintain it within the appropriate criteria Prevents inflammation of blood vessels and the accumulation of fatty plaque within the artery walls.

2. Measurement of arterial pressure (ABI Ankle-Brachial Index)

To see blood flow to the extremities of the body Disease of the arteries in the legs Mostly due to the presence of slag. (Atherosclerotic Plaque) sticks to blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to become narrowed and blood unable to adequately pass through the legs. Patients with atherosclerosis in the legs It increases the risk of acute coronary artery disease. Including cerebrovascular disease.

3. Evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias (Atrial Fibrillation)

with an electrocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to show your heart rate heart rhythm and high-frequency cardiac examination Echocardiogram (ECHO) uses sound waves to create images of the heart's chambers and valves. Check the pumping action of the heart. To assess the function of the heart. Both methods help doctors detect abnormalities that may occur with the heart. To diagnose arrhythmias because of this condition This causes blood clots to form in the heart and those blood clots can travel to the brain. Can cause cerebrovascular disease. People with atrial fibrillation have nearly five times the risk of having a stroke. Compared to people who do not have this condition

4. Examination of the large arteries in the neck (Carotid Ultrasound)

It is an examination of the large arteries (Carotid) on both sides of the neck. To see the blood vessel walls Measures the thickness of blood vessel walls Check for Calcified Plague and measure the speed of blood flow. This is because the thickening of the walls of the blood vessels in the neck causes narrowing, causing insufficient blood flow to the brain. Results of blood vessel quality testing will help plan appropriate treatment. Reduce the chance of having a stroke.

5. Body Composition Analysis

Being overweight (overweight) and obesity (obesity) increase the risk of stroke. And people who are obese often have other complications such as hypercholesterolemia. high blood pressure or diabetes Weight loss of approximately 5 kg significantly reduces the risk of stroke. Doctors therefore often use body mass index (BMI) calculations to determine risk. However, using body weight alone may not be accurate. Because the body is made up of muscle mass, bones, and fat. and water as well Measuring body composition with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is therefore more accurate in identifying obesity. In middle-aged men The fat percentage should not be more than 28% and in women it should not be more than 32%.

6. Meet an expert doctor and a multidisciplinary team. to adjust lifestyle

Seeing a doctor for a health check helps detect abnormalities and reduces the risk of stroke. There is a multidisciplinary team coming in to provide close care, such as dietitians. physical therapist exercise trainer Mental health experts, etc., help plan quality lifestyle changes. According to the principles of lifestyle medicine (Lifestyle medicine) including eating healthy food. exercise Avoiding dangerous behaviors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. quality sleep stress management Create a good emotional state Take good care of your body's health and strength.

Stroke can be prevented. By detecting risks and having a healthy lifestyle (healthy lifestyle). Consult with a team of medical experts and a multidisciplinary team to help plan your individualized health care. in order to achieve appropriate treatment and complete in every dimension To be healthy Prevent the occurrence of various diseases.

With best wishes from BDMS Wellness Clinic​

LINE: @bdmswellnessclinic or https://lin.ee/Z4So1yQ

Thank you for the information from

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Risk Factors for Stroke [Internet]. Hopkinsmedicine.org. 2022 [cited 11 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/risk-factors-for-stroke 

2. Harvard Health Publishing. 7 things you can do to prevent a stroke - Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2022 [cited 11 October 2022]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke\