Vegetarians and vegans may have a higher risk of stroke than meat eaters, but carnivores have a higher risk of heart disease

As meatless diets are becoming increasingly popular, researchers are studying whether they may have unexpected health risks. Case in point: Vegetarians and vegans, while they have lower rates of heart disease, may face a greater risk of stroke, according to a new study.

For the study, researchers  looked at the dietary habits and health of 48,188 adult men and women in the UK over the course of 18 years. 

They found that participants with a plant-based diet, including both vegetarians and vegans, had lower rates of heart disease but higher rates of stroke than meat eaters. 

Non-meat-eaters were at a significantly higher risk for a particular kind of stroke — a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and begins bleeding into the brain. 

People who avoided meat but ate fish, however, had a lower risk of heart disease without increasing their risk for stroke. More research is needed to understand just what kind of diet is best for protecting your health.

Low cholesterol from eating less meat may mean better overall heart health

The results of this study are consistent with previous research that found a significantly lower risk of heart disease among vegetarians — as much as 24% lower death rates from heart disease, according to one study. 

Researchers suspect this is partly caused by lower levels of cholesterol in the blood, which typically come from a meat-free diet. However, that doesn't entirely explain the difference, and data suggests eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fiber also provide health benefits. 

Researchers also found that vegetarians and vegans were less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise regularly. They also reported lower rates of high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, diabetes, and long-term illnesses. 

But even after adjusting for lifestyle factors like smoking, exercise, and body mass index, vegetarians and vegans still had lower rates of heart disease.

Cholesterol and other nutrients in animal protein may protect against brain hemorrhage

This new research supports earlier findings that low cholesterol levels, though typically thought of as a healthy thing, may somehow cause a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. 

In addition to low cholesterol levels, vegetarians and vegans also had lower levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and amino acids than meat eaters, which may be related to their higher stroke risk. 

Researchers concluded that more studies are needed to test how those nutrients might play a role in preventing strokes.

People who ate fish, but not meat, seemed to fare best

Pescatarians — who avoid animal meat but may eat fish, dairy, and eggs — had the best of both worlds, according to the data. They showed a lower risk of heart disease than meat eaters, but without the higher stroke risk associated with plant-based diets. 

If you're looking to improve your health overall, consider swapping out your steak for salmon, or just incorporating more vegetables overall into your menu. 

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Is that stress or stroke?

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 Every stroke patient might have different symptoms; however, the symptoms of a stroke are very sudden.

What is a stroke?
Strokes occur due to problems with the blood supply to the brain; either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures. A stroke is a medical emergency, and treatment must be sought as quickly as possible.
There are three main kinds of stroke; ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also referred to as mini-strokes.

The Warning Signs of a Stroke:

· A terrible headache
· Weakness on one side of your body
· Trouble walking, talking, or understanding things
· Vision loss in one or both eyes

At times, other health issues can mimic stroke symptoms. A high blood pressure can cause headaches, feelings of weakness, and vision problems. Hypertension is the major cause of stroke.
Chronic stress in life, increases the risk of older people having a stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Understand your body & learn to differentiate between symptoms for stress/anxiety attacks, stroke or migraines.

Better understanding of important & potentially modifiable stroke risk factors, including stress and hypertension, is required given the aging population and increasing burden of stroke.

How is a stroke different from a heart attack/cardiac arrest?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without oxygenated blood, the heart muscle begins to die. A stroke is a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Heart attacks are almost always the result of progressive coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become choked with fatty deposits called plaque, which narrows and blocks arteries. The condition is called atherosclerosis. When pieces of plaque break free, blood clots can form, blocking the flow of blood to the heart. When that happens, the heart muscle does not get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs, and parts of the heart may become damaged or die. This is a heart attack.

When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing a part of the brain to die, it is called a stroke, or "brain attack." A stroke requires immediate medical attention. Stroke is similar to a heart attack, but it affects the blood vessels in the brain instead of the heart.

Preventive Tips for Stroke:

If you've had a stroke, preventing a second stroke is a top priority. The risk of a stroke is tenfold higher in someone who has had a stroke in the past.

Keep your blood pressure low since high blood pressure exerts continuous pressure on the walls of the arteries. If it is left untreated, it damages and weakens your arteries, making them more likely to clog or burst and cause a stroke.

Don't smoke or expose yourself to second-hand smoke. Limit your calories and make exercise a daily habit. Know your risks - your age & your genes can put you at risk of stroke.


Inputs by Dr. PN Renjen, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

7 Signs of Stroke You Might Be Ignoring

Never ignore these signs of a stroke

In each minute of a stroke, your brain loses an estimated 1.9 million cells. Each hour a stroke goes untreated ages your brain the equivalent of three and a half years. The longer a stroke lasts or a patient doesn’t receive treatment, the greater chance of lingering speech difficulties, memory loss, or behavioral changes. The earlier a stroke is caught, the better the treatment options, which can minimize damage and improve the odds of a fuller recovery. “Stroke is scary. Denial is the biggest factor in delaying treatment. When I ask stroke patients in the ER why they waited to call 911, the most common response is that they wanted to see if it would go away,” says Carolyn Brockington, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Stroke Center in New York City.

There are two kinds of stroke. An ischemic stroke means blocked blood vessels cause a reduction in blood flow in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke means a ruptured blood vessel is leaking blood in the brain. Symptoms for both kinds of stroke can be the same. It’s important to call 911 as soon as you notice any potential signs of trouble.

You think exhaustion is making you see double

Vision problems like seeing double, blurriness, or loss of sight in one eye can be a sign of a stroke, but many people blame this on old age or tiredness. “Seeing two images is very unusual for just being tired or reading too much,” Dr. Brockington says. A blocked blood vessel can reduce the amount of oxygen getting to the eye, which causes vision issues that may not be accompanied by any other signs of stroke.

You think your arm is numb because it "just fell asleep"

If you wake up from a nap and your arm or leg is numb, it’s easy to assume it's due to a compressed nerve. “Don’t feel like a hypochondriac. If your arm is suddenly numb or weak, and it doesn’t go away in a few minutes, call 911,” says Ralph Sacco, MD, professor of neurology at University of Miami North School of Medicine. Decreased blood flow through the arteries that run up your spine to the back of your head causes numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

You blame slurred speech on your medications

“Some medicines, like painkillers, can cause slurred speech and people often chalk up speech issues to their drugs as opposed to stroke,” says Dr. Sacco. But if that’s not a side effect you usually experience, you might be having a stroke and should seek help immediately, he says.

You assume alcohol is behind your wobbliness

“People think they’re having balance issues because they had a drink, but see if that makes sense,” says Dr. Brockington. “You won’t have delayed balance problems, so a drink from earlier in the day probably isn’t to blame. It could be from a decrease in blood flow to the brain.” If you suddenly start to stumble, can’t walk straight, or experience sudden dizziness, don’t wait for it to pass; call 911 right away.

You think that"it's on the tip of my tongue" feeling is due to being tired

When people have trouble thinking of the right words or lose their train of thought, they figure they're tired or foggy, says Dr. Brockington. But sudden cognitive deficits are a common sign of stroke. “You might struggle to think of a word every once in awhile, but there shouldn’t be a long period of time where you can’t think of anything to say or be unable to speak,” says Dr. Brockington.

In some cases, stroke patients won’t be aware that anything is wrong, so people around them should raise the alarm. “The part of the brain that isn’t working well impairs the stroke patient’s perception and the ability to think,” says Dr. Sacco. 

You chalk that blinding headache up to a migraine

It might just be a migraine, but if you’re not prone to them, it could be a stroke. “Migraine headaches can masquerade as a stroke because they have the same neurological symptoms,” says Sacco. “I tell people to treat it like a stroke and call for help; let us figure it out.”

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death nationwide. Brain damage from strokes can be minimized if they are treated promptly, but it’s common to mistake signs of a stroke for other health problems, which delays treatment.

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Understanding Stroke

What a stroke means?
Stroke is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death in the world. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or, more commonly, when a blockage develops. Without treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. The result can be serious disability or death. If a loved one is having stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical attention without delay.

 

Symptoms

Signs of a stroke may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the body, especially on one side.
• Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, or difficulty swallowing.
• Sudden, severe headache with unknown cause.
• Sudden problems with dizziness, walking, or balance.
•  Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others.
• Call help at once if you notice any of these symptoms.

Stroke Test: Talk, Wave, Smile

The F.A.S.T. test helps spot symptoms of stroke. It stands for:
Face. Ask for a smile. Does one side droop?
Arms. When raised, does one side drift down?
Speech. Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Does he or she have trouble or slur words?
Time. Time is critical. Dial 911 immediately if any symptoms are present.

Time is critical-Brain Damage
Every second counts when seeking treatment for a stroke. When deprived of oxygen, brain cells begin dying within minutes. There are clot-busting drugs that can curb brain damage, but they need to be used within three hours -- up to 4.5 hours in some people -- of the initial stroke symptoms. Once brain tissue has died, the body parts controlled by that area won't work properly. This is why stroke is a top cause of long-term disability.

Diagnosing a Stroke

When someone with stroke symptoms arrives in the ER, the first step is to determine which type of stroke is occurring. There are two main types and they are not treated the same way. A CT scan can help doctors determine whether the symptoms are coming from a blocked blood vessel or a bleeding vessel. Additional tests may also be used to find the location of a blood clot or bleeding within the brain.

 

Ischemic Stroke

The most common type of stroke is known as an ischemic stroke. Nearly nine out of 10 strokes fall into this category. The culprit is a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel inside the brain. The clot may develop on the spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but far more likely to be fatal. They occur when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts. The result is bleeding inside the brain that can be difficult to stop.

Mini-Stroke' (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack, often called a "mini-stroke," is more like a close call. Blood flow is temporarily impaired to part of the brain, causing symptoms similar to an actual stroke. When the blood flows again, the symptoms disappear. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may happen soon. It's critical to seek emergency medical help if you think you've had a TIA. There are therapies to reduce the risk of stroke.

Causes a Stroke

A common cause of stroke is atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries. Plaque made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances builds up in the arteries, leaving less space for blood to flow. A blood clot may lodge in this narrow space and cause an ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis also makes it easier for a clot to form. Hemorrhagic strokes often result from uncontrolled high blood pressure that causes a weakened artery to burst.

Certain chronic conditions increase your risk of stroke.

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Taking steps to control these conditions may reduce your risk.

Other factors responsible are-

• Smoking
• Getting too little exercise
• Heavy use of alcohol

 A poor diet may increase the risk for stroke in a few significant ways. Eating too much fat and cholesterol can lead to arteries that are narrowed by plaque. Too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure. And too many calories can lead to obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help lower stroke risk.

Risk Factors Not Under One's Control-
 Some stroke risk factors are beyond your control, such as getting older or having a family history of strokes. Gender plays a role, too, with men being more likely to have a stroke. However, more stroke deaths occur in women. Finally, race is an important risk factor. African-Americans, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives are at greater risk compared to people of other ethnicities.

Emergency Treatment

For an ischemic stroke, emergency treatment focuses on medicine to restore blood flow. A clot-busting drug is highly effective at dissolving clots and minimizing long-term damage, but it must be as soon as possible, within three -- or much as 4.5 hours for some people -- of the initial stroke symptoms Hemorrhagic strokes are more difficult to manage. Treatment usually involves attempting to control high blood pressure, bleeding, and brain swelling.

Long-Term Damage

Whether a stroke causes long-term damage depends on its severity and how quickly treatment stabilizes the brain. The type of damage depends on where in the brain the stroke occurs. Common problems after a stroke include numbness and/or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, vision problems, trouble swallowing, and problems with speech and comprehension. These problems can be permanent, but many do regain most of their abilities.

Rehab Therapies- Speech Therapy
Rehabilitation is the centerpiece of the stroke recovery process. It helps patients regain lost skills and learn to compensate for damage that can't be undone. The goal is to help restore as much independence as possible. For people who have trouble speaking, speech and language therapy is essential. A speech therapist can also help patients who have trouble swallowing.

Physical Therapy

Muscle weakness, as well as balance problems, are very common after a stroke. This can interfere with walking and other daily activities. Physical therapy is an effective way to regain strength, balance, and coordination. For fine motor skills, such as using a knife and fork, writing, and buttoning a shirt, occupational therapy can help.

Talk Therapy

It's common for stroke survivors and their loved ones to experience a wide range of intense emotions, such as fear, anger, worry, and grief. A psychologist or mental health counselor can provide strategies for coping with these emotions. A therapist can also watch for signs of depression, which frequently strikes people who are recovering from a stroke.

Prevention measures-

People who have had a stroke or TIA can take steps to prevent a recurrence:

• Quit smoking.
• Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol and salt intake.
• Eat a healthier diet with more veggies, fish, and whole grains.

Medications

For people with a high risk of stroke, doctors often recommend medications to lower this risk. Anti-platelet drugs, including aspirin, keep platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots. Anti-clotting drugs, such as warfarin, may be needed to help ward off stroke in some patients. Finally, if you have high blood pressure, your doctor will prescribe medication to lower it.

Surgery

In some cases, a stroke results from a narrowed carotid artery -- the blood vessels that travel up each side of the neck to bring blood to the brain. People who have had a mild stroke or TIA due to this problem may benefit from surgery known as carotid endarterectomy. This procedure removes plaque from the lining of the carotid arteries and can help prevent additional strokes.

Balloon and Stent

Doctors can also treat a clogged carotid artery without major surgery in some cases. The procedure, called angioplasty, involves temporarily inserting a catheter into the artery and inflating a tiny balloon to widen the area that is narrowed by plaque. A metal tube, called a stent, can be inserted and left in place to keep the artery open.

Life After a Stroke

Many people who have a stroke regain the ability to take care of themselves if they follow their rehabilitation plan. Those who get clot-busting drugs soon enough may recover completely. And those who experience disability can often learn to function independently through therapy. It has been shown that 3% to 4% of all patients that experience a stroke will subsequently experience a second stroke.

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