Stroke is a condition known to all for its deadly impact. Even if the affected person survives, the after-effects can be immensely debilitating right from affecting movement to speech. Being informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Here are the common signs of stroke that you should be aware of:

Numbing of arms and legs: Many people wake up and find that their arms and legs are numb and they tend to assume that it is due to compression of the nerve. But the actual reality is that the flow of blood through the arteries running up to the spine is reduced, and it has led to weakness or numbness on either side of the body.
Double vision and blurriness: Vision problems can also be a strong indicator of stroke even though most people think it is due to long hours of work or aging. When you see two images of the same object, it doesn t have to mean that you are reading too much. It could mean that the blood vessel in charge of supplying oxygen to the eyes has been disrupted or blocked.
Slurred speech: Some medicines, particular painkillers can cause speech issues. But this is not the case always; if it is not a side effect that you typically experience after taking painkillers, you should consult a healthcare expert without any delay. 
Confusion and trouble over thinking and articulating: When you find yourself in a state where you cannot recall the right word to explain the right thing, you may rest assured that it is an issue stemming from the stroke. If you find yourself to struggle thinking or finding a word very commonly, then you are heading for big trouble.
Balance problems: Some people have balance issues, and they think it is due to the dose of alcohol, but experts say it is crucial to identify whether this assumption is correct. You will never have delayed balance problems, and therefore, you cannot blame a drink that you had last day. So, if you have balance issues without any identifiable reason, it is advisable to call a doctor.
A headache that becomes intolerable at times: Headaches can be a sign of a migraine but in case you are not prone to this ailment, then the debilitating headache could indicate a stroke. Migraine headaches can also mean stroke since both of them have similar signs and symptoms.
Fatigue that won t let you stay upright: If you are not doing any physically strenuous job but still feel tired most of the time, it could be a warning sign of stroke. If it continues for over a week, it is recommended that you consult an expert immediately.
Equipped with this knowledge, stay aware and pay attention to the indications your body gives to take care of yourself.


7 Signs You Are Having A Stroke!

Egg yolk and cholesterol - is there a link?

Although egg is considered one of the most nutritious foods, people with high cholesterol avoid its consumption as they believe that eggs may increase cholesterol and risk heart diseases.

Is there a link between egg yolk and cholesterol?

Egg yolk is rich in dietary cholesterol. One large egg contains 185 milligrams of cholesterol. People with normal cholesterol levels require about 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol and people with high cholesterol need 200 milligrams of dietary cholesterol from food.

Dietary cholesterol has the minimum impact on blood cholesterol as compared to saturated and trans fats which contain bad cholesterol. Hence dietary cholesterol present in egg yolk has minimal or no effects on increasing your cholesterol levels.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on'consult.

Egg Yolk and Cholesterol - Is There Really a Link?

The CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) is a condition where the blood flow in your arteries is impaired. This happens when the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart are damaged. As a result, plaque builds up in the arteries and the blood flow to the heart is decreased.

This will eventually lead to chest pain or angina and other symptoms. If the arteries are blocked completely, you may suffer a heart attack later on. It is one of the leading causes of death and heart attacks all over the world.

What are the causes of CAD?

The CAD may be caused due to an injury to the inner part of the coronary artery. This may be due to the following factors  

High blood pressure and cholesterol

Smoking

An unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle

Diabetes

If the inner wall of the artery is damaged, deposits made of cholesterol and other cellular wastes are collected in the region. The process is called atherosclerosis. If this plaque surface breaks, the platelets in your blood will try to fix the artery. In the process, these platelets are accumulated in the area. Too much accumulation can block the artery.

As the arteries are responsible for providing oxygen-rich blood to your heart, blockage in the region will lead to a heart attack.

Moreover, Coronary Artery Disease may be caused if you have a family history of heart diseases. It is more likely to occur when you are over 65 years of age. Factors such as obesity and high levels of stress can also lead to this condition. 

Symptoms

The common symptom of Coronary Artery Disease is angina or pain in the chest. However, the condition may be accompanied by other symptoms, like  

Tightness, heaviness, burning or a squeezing sensation in the chest

Sweating

Dizziness

Shortness of breath followed by extreme fatigue

Pain in the arms, shoulders or the back

Severe pressure in the shoulders and arms that lead to heart attack

The angina symptoms are commonly misunderstood as symptoms of indigestion. Be aware and seek medical assistance immediately.

Treating CAD with Ayurveda 

The following Ayurvedic herbs are helpful for preventing the deposits of harmful fats in your blood vessels  

Guggulu

Chandraprabha Vati

Combination of herbs like Amlaki, Arjuna, Punarnava, Kutki and Triphala

Another important treatment procedure for the disease, as prescribed by Ayurveda, is meditation. Meditating for about 20 minutes every day will help you relax and calm your nerves. It will help you enhance your mental health and happiness. This will keep your heart healthy.

This prevents the body from forming angiotensin is a hormone that causes your blood vessels to get smaller which increases your blood pressure. This baeltablet helps in Lower angiotensin levels, then help widen your blood vessels and let your blood flow more easily this reduces your blood pressure. This Bell tablet helps in blocking the effects of angiotensin on your heart which helps in lowering your blood pressure and these roots helps in preventing blood clots from forming, some do this from making substances called clotting factors and others keep the clotting factors from working or preventing other chemicals from forming so that clots cannot develop. What is most important is that all these herbs help in dissolving existing plaque. This drug also works as thromboxane it prevents platelet to stick together to form a clot.

You can also opt for Panchkarma therapy that is a rejuvenating experience consisting of massages and steam baths. High cholesterol is effectively treated using this therapy. 

To prevent risks of CAD, you must exercise regularly and avoid consuming foods high in fats and sugar. Reduce the amount of preserved foods. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetable daily. Furthermore, get plenty of sleep and stop consuming alcohol or cigarettes to stay healthy.

CAD (Blockage In Arteries) - How Can Ayurveda Handle It?

The heart is a muscular organ that functions like a pump by moving blood through a fine, interconnected network of blood vessels. One set of blood vessels collect oxygen-rich blood from various parts of the body and gets it to the heart. It is then sent to all parts of the body through another separate channel of vessels.

The blood also transports various nutrients to the different body parts. Fat molecules or cholesterol is one of them. In fact, with changing diet patterns, there are more of fat molecules. They are heavier than the other particles, and so tend to settle down along the walls. This is known as plaque formation. This attracts more fat molecules to settle down and gradually forms a larger mass of fat cells. It also reduces the diameter of the vessel, thereby lowering the amount of blood that reaches the target organs.

Another effect it has is that it encourages the heart to exert extra pressure to push the blood through the vessels. There are simple ways to reduce blood pressure (BP), and some of these are listed below.

Eat healthy: Avoid processed and/or packaged foods. Increase the intake of fresh foods with lots of grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Include antioxidants like flaxseed, olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids to improve heart health. Avoid foods rich in calcium, sodium and magnesium. Increase consumption of potassium, which is good for heart.
Exercise regularly: Exercising has multiple benefits, and one of them is to improve heart health. It improves circulation, keeps the heart muscles active and strong and helps them pump blood better throughout the body.
Quit smoking: Smoking has severe effects on the overall health of an individual and heart health in particular. So quitting smoking can be hugely beneficial for the heart. It reduces the rate of plaque build-up and also helps in reversal.
Practise weight management: An increasing waistline is definitely not good for your heart, so watch your weight and keep your body mass index (BMI) in check. Watch what you eat, work out, and get your weight under control.
Follow stress management: The effect that stress has on our health cannot be underrated. Be it yoga, music, meditation, exercise or spending time with family/friends, choose what works best for you and learn to relax and manage stress.
Reduce alcohol consumption: More than two drinks per day can increase blood pressure significantly. So if you can t control, just quit.
Increased blood pressure is more rampant than what it was a few decades back. The age of onset is also reduced, with people in 30s now having hypertension. Making the above lifestyle changes can help lower your BP. Lifestyle diseases are now starting early in child hood. It is important to allow them to eat healthy food and physical activity. Smoking etc starts in school and need to be prohibited.

6 Simple Things That Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

A brain stroke can affect anyone at any point of time when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. It can threaten major physical functions and can prove to be fatally dangerous at times. The brain stem which is placed right above the spinal cord controls the breathing, heartbeat and levels of blood pressure. It is also in charge of controlling some elementary functions such as swallowing, hearing, speech and eye movements. 

What are the different types of strokes?
There are three main kinds of stroke: ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. The most common type of brain stroke is the ischemic stroke is caused by narrowing or blocking of arteries to the brain, which prevents the proper supply of blood to the brain. Sometimes it so happens that the blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body have travelled via the blood vessels and has been trapped in the blood vessel which provides blood to the brain. When the supply of blood to a part of the brain is hindered, the tissue in that area dies off owing to lack of oxygen. The other variant of brain stroke is termed as hemorrhagic stroke is caused when the blood vessels in and around the brain burst or leak. Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible in order to minimize brain damage.  Remembering the F.A.S.T. acronym can help with recognizing the onset of stroke (Face, Arms, Speed, Time - explained below). 

What are the common symptoms of a brain stroke?
The symptoms of the brain stroke are largely dependent on the area of the brain that has been affected. It can interfere with normal functioning, such as breathing and talking and other functions which human beings can perform without thinking such as eye movements or swallowing. Since all the signals from the brain as well as other parts of the body traverse through the brain stem, the interruption of blood flow often leads to numbness or paralysis in different parts of the body.

Who is likely to have a stroke?
Anyone is at a risk of developing brain stroke although ageing is directly proportional to the risk of having a stroke. Not only that an individual with a family history of brain stroke or transient ischemic attack is at a higher risk of developing stroke. People who have aged over 65 accounts for about 33 percent of all brain strokes. It is important to point here that individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol, cancer, autoimmune diseases and some blood disorders are at a higher risk of developing brain stroke.

There are a few factors which can increase the risk of developing stroke beyond any control. But there are certain lifestyle choices as well which aids in controlling the chances of being affected by stroke. It is crucial to refrain from long-term hormone replacement therapies as well as birth control pills, smoking, lack of physical activity, excessive use of alcohol and drug addiction. A brain stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, and when an individual has symptoms that resemble that of stroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Treatment for stroke

Treatment depends on the type of stroke.
Ischemic strokes can be treated with 'clot-busting' drugs.
Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated with surgery to repair or block blood vessel weaknesses.
The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What is TPA?
TPA is a thrombolytic or a  Clot Buster  drug. This clot buster is used to break-up the clot that is causing a blockage or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and helps restore the blood flow to the area of the brain. It is given by intravenous (IV). This can be given only within 4.5 hrs of the onset of symptoms

Time is brain

Remember Every second Loss means brain cells die.
Rush to the nearest Stroke Centre whenever you experience such symptoms.
U can save the brain cells dying if you reach within 4.5 hrs by the CLOT BUSTER. 
Endovascular procedures 
Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* called mechanical thrombectomy, strongly recommended, in which trained doctors try  removing a large blood clot by sending a wired-caged device called a stent retriever, to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain

Stroke prevention
The good news is that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. It starts with managing key risk factors, including 

High blood pressure,
Cigarette smoking,
Diabetes
Atrial fibrillation and
Physical inactivity.
More than half of all strokes are caused by uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure, making it the most important risk factor to control. 
Rehabilitation
The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.

Brain Stroke - Things You Must Know!

What is Stroke?

A medical condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, hence prevents the brain tissues from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. In a matter of minutes, the brain cells tend to die.

What Are The Symptoms?

Paying attention to the warning signals is extremely important. It s important to watch the signs, if you feel that any of your friends or near and dear ones might be having a stroke. The longer you take to detect, the treatment options would also get affected accordingly. Let s take a closer look at the symptoms:

Person having problem with speaking as well as interpreting things : If you come across a person or for that matter, if you feel as if you are getting confused or eating up words while speaking, then it s a clear indication as well as a warning that a stroke is on the cards.

Facing trouble to see in one or both the eyes: Are you having a blurred vision or feel as if there are blackouts at short intervals or you are seeing double of everything around you, all these are signs that you might have a stroke in the near future.

Feeling numb or paralysed on certain parts of the body: Sudden numbness or paralysis is a very common symptom for anyone who are about to get affected by stroke. This actually affects one side of the body, where you are unable to move your hands, legs or feel anything on the mouth. At that time, it s important to try and raise both the arms over one s head. In such a situation, if one arm starts to fall, then might be on the verge of having a stroke.

Trouble while walking: People who are on the verge of having stroke, might stumble or feel a tinge of dizziness, resulting in loss of balance or lack of coordination. All these point towards a definite chance that the concerned person might get affected by stroke.

When Should You Go To Visit A Doctor?

There is need to seek for immediate medical attention as and when you notice any of the symptoms of a stroke, even if you feel there is fluctuation in them or seems to have disappeared. Taking prompt action is the need of the hour. You can do the following:

You can ask the person to raise their arms and notice if one of them drift downward or they are having problem in raising one of the arms.

To see if they are able to talk properly, you can say a phrase and ask him or repeat after you, hence notice if their speech is twisted or strange.

Tell the person to smile and notice whether one side of the face droop.

So we have looked at the aspects of the symptoms related to stroke and how could you get an idea if a person is about to get affected by the disease.

All You Need To Know About Brain Stroke!

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