Did you know that an average of 10 people suffer a stroke in South Africa every hour, which is a shocking statistic. Even more alarming is the fact that the World Health Organization states 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke annually.
Unfortunately, strokes remain a major health concern and, at the heart of it, is a condition that many don’t realise they have: hypertension, which is commonly known as high blood pressure.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, often due to high blood pressure. High blood pressure has earned itself the nickname ‘the silent killer’ because of how it sneaks up without obvious symptoms, and many people remain unaware of the status of their blood pressure. This is why regular health checkups are necessary, including monitoring blood pressure and making healthy lifestyle changes.
Catch the symptoms before they catch you
Though high blood pressure can often be symptomless, some warning signs do occur, and this is what you need to keep an eye out for:
- Early-morning headaches
- Regular nose bleeds
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Blurred/blurring vision
- Buzzing in the ears
Unfortunately, if left unchecked, severe high blood pressure can lead to more serious symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, anxiety, chest pains and muscle tremors. The only way to know for sure is by getting assessed by a healthcare professional.
Regular screenings: a step toward stroke prevention
Regular health screenings are the best defence, as these help catch high blood pressure before it causes irreversible damage – like a stroke. Medical schemes, such as Bestmed, often cover these assessments, making it easier to prioritise health. By taking that quick trip to the clinic or a doctor’s office for a blood pressure check, you reduce your risk significantly.
Lifestyle changes to manage high blood pressure (the root cause of strokes)
Should you be diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is not all doom and gloom. All you need to do is make the necessary lifestyle changes to ensure you maintain your health – for which most medial schemes provide support. From diet plans to exercising programmes and even stress management, these changes are key to managing high blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke.
In fact, a few easy changes that can be made include:
- Cutting back on salt.
- Eating more fruits and vegetables.
- Exercising – an important life-changer.
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.
If a stroke does occur, recovery can be difficult. Of the 15 million people who suffer from this deadly condition globally, 5 million unfortunately die, and another 5 million are left permanently disabled, often requiring ongoing palliative care. This is where comprehensive medial cover becomes important, as it offers access to post-stroke rehabilitation. From physical therapy to speech therapy and counselling, these services are crucial for regaining as much independence as possible.
Remember that strokes are preventable, and it all starts with awareness, regular health checks and making small changes to your lifestyle. Don’t wait – start looking after your health today.
Denelle Morais
Manager: Marketing & Communications
Image credit: kjpargeter/Freepik