STROKE

Often referred to as a "Brain Attack," stroke occurs when the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain is disrupted due to blocked or ruptured blood vessels.

Stroke Symptoms:

Weakness/numbness in the face, arms, legs, speech difficulties, trouble understanding others, dizziness, loss of balance, headache, vision problems, difficulty walking, fainting, coma.

The National Stroke Association recommends the FAST method to help you identify stroke warning signs:

• F (Face): When you smile, does one side of your face droop? Is there numbness around your mouth?
• A (Arms): When you raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?
• S (Speech): Is your speech slurred, unclear, or difficult? Is there a change in your voice's volume or difficulty speaking?
• T (Time): If you experience these symptoms, immediately call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Prompt treatment within 3 hours of arrival at the hospital's stroke unit is crucial.

Smoking and Stroke:

Smoking can cause various issues with blood flow to the brain, contributing to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels and increasing the likelihood of a stroke.

What is the connection between smoking and stroke?

The risk of stroke for men and women who smoke up to 20 cigarettes per day is 68% for recurrent stroke. This risk can triple when smoking more than 40 cigarettes per day.

The following conditions occur in the body if you smoke:

• Lowers good cholesterol and raises bad cholesterol, which can trigger plaque in the blood vessels.
• Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces oxygen levels in the blood.
• Nicotine in cigarettes increases heart rate.
• Triggers atrial fibrillation.

Makes platelets, a type of blood cell, more likely to clump together, increasing the risk of blood clots.

• All these changes can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries narrow and harden.

Can passive smokers have a stroke?

PASSIVE SMOKERS are also at risk of sudden heart attack (25-30%) and stroke (20-30%) because smoke exposure tends to thicken the blood, leading to blood vessel blockages.

Some dangerous diseases caused by smoking:

The most immediate effect of smoking on the body's organs is lung damage. Smoking can also lead to impotence, reproductive organ diseases, stomach issues, and an increased risk of stroke.

Author: Dr. Melia Widya (Medical Service Doctor, PRAMITA Lab, HR. Muhammad Branch, Surabaya)