An international study co-led by NUI Galway identifies too much exercise and anger as triggers to stroke. The new research, also known as the INTERSTROKE study, was published in the European Heart Journal of the European Society of Cardiology which looked at 13,000 stroke patients across 32 countries.
Acute Risk Factors That May Trigger Stroke
Researchers of the study said that stroke prevention is a priority for doctors but it remains challenging to predict when a stroke will occur despite advances. Study author Professor Andrew Smyth said that most existing studies focus on medium to long-term exposures to stroke triggers, like hypertension, obesity, and smoking.
But according to World Health.Net, the new research looked at acute exposures, namely exercise and emotional upset that may trigger stroke. They found that anger could cause approximately 30% of the risk of stroke one hour after an episode with an even greater increase if the patient suffers symptoms of depression. Moreso, the study reveals that a lower level of education is a greater factor.
Meanwhile, the extreme exercise of physical activity is linked to an approximately 60% increase in the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage during one hour after the episode of heavy exertion.
Researchers advocate for people to practice mental and physical wellness at all ages to avoid stroke. They also warn people with cardiovascular risks to avoid too much physical exertion and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every minute counts during a stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms will give patients the immediate response and treatment needed to save their life. Both men and women display similar signs of stroke, including the following:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, and leg
- Confusion, difficulty in talking and understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Problem in walking, experiencing dizziness while walking, or loss of balance
- Severe headache
It is advisable to call 911 right away if any or someone else is exhibiting these symptoms.
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