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Presentation "Diseases, Risk Factors, and Health” Vany Thi Nguyen University of Maryland Global Campus BIOL 160 6980: Human Biology (2238) Professor: Elizabeth Herrera November 7, 2023.

[Audio] Ever wondered why suddenly, one side of your body feels numb, or there's sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech? These are just a few of the signs that might indicate a stroke. Today, we're delving into this critical subject, unwrapping the mysteries around strokes and providing insights that might just save a life..

[Audio] In a healthy circulatory system, blood flows freely through your veins and arteries, supplying oxygen and nutrients to your brain and other vital organs. But sometimes, a dangerous intruder can disrupt this harmony – a blood clot A blood clot can form when blood cells and other components clump together, often due to a damaged blood vessel wall or underlying medical conditions.

[Audio] Once formed, the clot can break free and travel through the bloodstream. If this clot reaches a blood vessel in the brain, it can get lodged in a narrower artery, blocking the normal blood flow As a result, brain cells downstream from the blockage are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to injury and damage This is when the symptoms of a stroke can occur, such as sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty moving.

[Audio] There are two types of stroke. An Ischemic stroke occurs due to a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain by a blood clot that blocks the vessel, leading to a lack of blood and oxygen in the brain. Hemorrhagic, the second type of stroke, is caused by a rupture or a burst of blood vessels; the brain cells immediately start to die..

[Audio] Signs of a stroke may include trouble with speaking and understanding, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, problems seeing in one or both eyes, headache, and trouble walking. The symptoms of a stroke typically happen quickly but can develop progressively over hours or even days. It's vital to remember that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone may experience the same signs. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it's crucial to call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence in treating stroke, as prompt medical attention can help minimize long-term damage.

[Audio] The most common risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol use, obesity, a family history of stroke, and age. Stroke risk increases proportionally with age, especially for individuals over 55. There are some modifiable stroke risk factors that we can change: hypertension, smoking, alcohol, drugs, physical activity, diet, and diabetes. Non-modifiable risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed but can be managed to reduce the risk of stroke..

[Audio] Now, how does a stroke affect a healthy body's structure and function? Well, the brain is an intricate organ that controls body functions, including muscle control, memory, and sensory processing. When a stroke occurs, it disrupts the flow of blood, and thus oxygen, to the brain, causing cells to die. This can lead to lasting damage, such as paralysis, speech difficulties, or memory loss, depending on which part of the brain is affected..

[Audio] The diagnosis of a stroke typically involves several tools and tests. These may include physical examination, blood tests, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid ultrasound, or cerebral angiogram. Each tool provides valuable information to the clinician, allowing them to understand the extent of the stroke and the best course of action for treatment..

[Audio] Preventing strokes might seem like a daunting task, but it's possible. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can significantly reduce the risk. Additionally, managing underlying health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is crucial. CDC research shows that non-Hispanic Black adults and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk of stroke than White adults..

[Audio] In summary, recognizing the signs of a stroke – such as trouble speaking, paralysis or numbness, and problems with vision – can be life-saving. Regular health checks, a balanced diet, exercise, and managing underlying health conditions are crucial for prevention. We should educate ourselves to protect our loved ones, the people around us, and ourselves..

References. Kuriakose, D., & Xiao, Z. (2020). Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(20), 7609. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/20/7609 Stroke Foundation – Australia. (n.d.). What is a Stroke? https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/learn/what-is-a-stroke Mass General Brigham (2022, February 9). Stroke: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention | Mass General Brigham. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_3LSi8QOKA Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023, May 4). Stroke Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm British Heart Foundation. (2019b, May 13). What is a Stroke?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM-r6AcPsaw Choie, A. (2020, July 31). Stroke. My Family Physio. https://myfamilyphysio.com.au/stroke/.