High blood pressure, often called hypertension , is the most significant known risk factor for stroke. Think of blood pressure as a measure of how hard blood presses against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body, propelled by your heartbeat. Normally, we consider blood pressure to be around 120/80 mm Hg, but if these numbers regularly exceed 140/90 mm Hg, it indicates hypertension.
This condition isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s also a reminder that our blood vessels, including those supplying the brain, are under considerable strain. High blood pressure weakens the vessel walls and can cause clots or plaques to break off and block blood flow to the brain. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk of stroke. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor and manage these numbers carefully.
Fatigue, that feeling of constant tiredness, can be a surprising sign that a stroke is looming. Indeed, fatigue isn’t just about feeling weary; it can also indicate a delicate imbalance in the body, often due to lack of sleep or stress. An unbalanced diet can also play a role, disrupting the body’s harmony and potentially increasing the chances of a stroke.
