Every year on October 29, the globe celebrates Globe Stroke Day, which aims to raise awareness of stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. The theme for 2024 is “The Value of the Emotional Power of Sport to Be #GreaterThanStroke,” highlighting the remarkable strength and resilience of stroke survivors. This year’s campaign aims to spark a global movement by sharing inspiring stories of hope and determination from the stroke community, demonstrating how sport, in its various forms, can fuel recovery, empower individuals and help them overcome the challenges of stroke. cerebrovascular accident.

What is a silent stroke?

A silent stroke, as the name suggests, does not have the dramatic and obvious symptoms of a traditional stroke, such as face droop, arm paralysis, or slurred speech. Silent strokes, also known as “asymptomatic strokes,” occur when the blood supply to a small area of ​​the brain is interrupted, but the event produces no immediate, apparent symptoms. This disruption causes brain cell damage, often without the person recognizing it.

Risk factors for silent stroke

The risk factors and causes of silent strokes are quite similar to symptomatic ones. Understanding these risk factors is essential for prevention.

• High blood pressure: This is the leading cause of both silent and major strokes. High blood pressure can damage the brain’s blood capillaries, making clots more likely.
• Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of damage to blood vessels and arteries, making stroke more likely.
• High cholesterol: High cholesterol levels contribute to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can eventually cause blockages.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of stroke.
• Heart disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) can lead to blood clots and strokes.
• Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke due to co-morbidities such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Age and gender: Silent strokes can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. Men are more likely to have strokes, while women have more severe outcomes.

Symptoms of silent stroke

Although silent strokes may not produce the same sudden and noticeable symptoms as massive strokes, they can still damage brain function over time. Some possible indicators that you may have had a silent stroke include:

• Memory problems or confusion
• Unexplained balance issues
• Sudden mood swings
• Difficulty coordinating

If several silent strokes occur over time, the cumulative damage could progress to more significant brain disorders, such as vascular dementia.

How can we prevent silent strokes?

While silent attacks may not cause obvious symptoms, the long-term effects on brain health can be devastating. The good news is that many of the risk factors for silent strokes can be modified through lifestyle changes. Here are some effective methods and lifestyle tips to reduce your risk:

• Monitor your blood pressure: Maintain healthy blood pressure with regular checkups, medication as needed, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Manage diabetes: Control your blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication to reduce vascular damage.
• Lower cholesterol: Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, as well as foods high in fiber.
• Quit smoking: To improve blood vessel health and reduce the risk of stroke, avoid using tobacco products.
• Get regular exercise: Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day to strengthen your heart and improve circulation.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while reducing salt and processed foods.

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