Risk Factors that Leads to Higher Stroke Possibility

A stroke interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain. Strokes can be fatal, but the risk can be reduced. Many stroke risk factors are lifestyle-related, so everyone has the power to reduce their risk of having a stroke. They are the leading cause of long-term disability among seniors, they occur when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.

Some of the most important risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, heavy drinking,a diet high in fat (particularly saturated) and salt, lack of regular exercise, and obesity.

Obviously,high blood pressure (hypertension) is the most significant risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure refers to the pressure inside the arteries. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80, while high-normal blood pressure is 120/80 to 140/90. High blood pressure is when blood pressure is consistently over 140/90. This is called ‘hypertension’.

Hypertension means that the blood is exerting more pressure than is normal or healthy. Over time, this weakens and damages blood vessel walls, which can lead to stroke, particularly cerebral haemorrhage.

As well,smoking can double or even quadruple the risk of stroke. Some of the chemicals in cigarette smoke (such as nicotine and carbon monoxide) accelerate the process of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries). Clots are more likely to form because smoking thickens the blood and makes clotting factors, such as platelets, much more ‘sticky’. Cigarette smoke forces arteries to constrict (get narrower), which makes it harder for the thickened blood to move through the vessels .

Furthermore, drinking  alcohol heavily is three times more likely to have a stroke (particularly haemorrhagic stroke), regardless of their age.

Diabetes also is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to utilise blood sugar. A person with diabetes is around twice as likely to have a stroke as someone of the same gender and age, who doesn’t have diabetes. This is because the high blood sugar levels contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 strokes nearly 1 of 4 are in people who have had a previous stroke. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.

A physical therapy program like rehabilitation may include exercises to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and regain range of motion to help the patient relearn skills he lost when a stroke affected the part of his brain. Stroke rehabilitation can help regain independence and improve the quality of life

Although robotic gloves have got some good results in the latest decades, taking the example of SIFREHAB-1.0 which is combined with flexible robot technology and neuroscience, it can help patients master fingers flexion and extension, reduce hand muscle tension, relieve edema and stiffness, promote rehabilitation of brain nerve injury through exercise, improve hand activity and accelerate the rehabilitation of hand function.

Moreover, the SIFREHAB-1.0 offers an effective hand recovery program  (ADL) that involves a set of various tasks to build up strength and dexterity such as dressing, self-feeding, bathing, laundry, meal preparation, and other similar everyday tasks. These daily repetitive exercises minimize muscle tension, enhance blood circulation, relieve pain, and prevent muscle weakening.

To conclude, stroke accident patients will have their condition managed by themselves, which may include the ability to use the  Rehabilitation Robotic Gloves (SIFREHAB-1.0) at home which is most suited for stroke patients who have several hand function disabilities.

Refrences : Stroke Facts ,Stroke risk factors and prevention,Stroke rehabilitation