Stroke can cause various other health problems or complications, and most of these complications can endanger life. Some types of complications that may arise include:
Deep vein thrombosis. Some people will experience blood clots in the limbs that have paralysis. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis. This condition occurs due to cessation of limb muscle movements, so that the flow in the vein veins is disturbed. This increases the risk for blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis can be treated with anticoagulant drugs.
Hydrocephalus. Some people with hemorrhagic stroke can experience hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a complication that occurs due to accumulation of brain fluid in the brain cavity (ventricle). The neurosurgeon will install a hose into the brain to remove the accumulated fluid.
Dysphagia. Damage caused by a stroke can interfere with the swallowing reflex, resulting in risky food and drinks entering the respiratory tract. The problem with swallowing is known as dysphagia. Dysphagia can cause aspiration pneumonia.
To help stroke patients when eating and drinking, the doctor will insert a hose into the nose, then passed into the patient's stomach. Sometimes, the hose can also be directly connected directly from the abdominal wall into the stomach. The length of time a patient needs a food hose varies from a few weeks to several months. However, there are rarely patients who have to use a food hose for more than six months.
The main step to prevent stroke is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In addition, recognize and avoid the risk factors that exist, and follow the doctor's recommendations. Some ways that can be done to prevent strokes include:
Keep the diet. Eating too much salty and fatty food can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood and the risk of causing hypertension which can trigger a stroke. Types of foods that are low in fat and high in fiber are highly recommended for health. Avoid excessive salt consumption. Good consumption of salt is as much as 6 grams or one teaspoon per day.
The recommended foods are foods that are rich in unsaturated fats, protein, vitamins, and fiber. All of these nutrients can be obtained from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat meat such as skinless chicken breast.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can make the heart and circulatory system work more efficiently. Exercise can also reduce cholesterol levels and maintain body weight and blood pressure at a healthy level.
For people aged 19-64 years, make sure to do aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes a week divided into several days, plus muscle strength training at least twice a week. Which includes aerobic activities such as brisk walking or cycling. While that includes strength training, including weight lifting, yoga, or push-ups and sit-ups
But for those who have just recovered from a stroke, you should consult with your doctor before starting sports activities. Regular exercise is usually impossible to do in the first few weeks or months after a stroke. Patients can start exercising after rehabilitation has progressed.
- Quit smoking. The risk of stroke is doubled if someone smokes, because cigarettes can narrow blood vessels and make blood easy to clot. Not smoking means reducing the risk of various other health problems, such as lung and heart disease.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Liquor contains high calories. If alcoholic beverages are consumed excessively, then a person is susceptible to various diseases that trigger stroke, such as diabetes and hypertension. Consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages can also make your heart rate become irregular.
- Avoid using drugs. Some types of drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause narrowing of the arteries and reduce blood flow.