Last Monday our eternal Dylan McKay (from a beloved 90s tv show Beverly Hills 90210), the actor Luke Perry passed away from a stroke. He was only 52. 😔
Many people believe that a stroke only happens to older people, but this is not accurate. It can happen at any age, from a children to young adults and middle-aged people. It is only more common among the elderly. But in the last decade there has been a 44% increase in stroke cases in younger people. And women are more likely to have a stroke than men. It is the third most common cause of death for us. So, we should pay close attention to the warning strokes’ signs.
And here are the 3 main signs of a stroke that anyone, at any age, should be aware of:
- Face drooping. – Does one side of the face droop or does it feel numb?
- Arm weakness. – Is one arm numb or weak? Is it possible to raise both arms? Weakness in the leg or face can also be a sign. Especially but not only if felt in one side.
- Slurred or Jumbled speech. – Is the person unable to speak or speaks but it is hard to understand? Confusion can also be a red flag.
Additional signs can include:
- Sudden inability to see from one or both eyes.
- Sudden inability to walk.
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden major headache.
If by any chance you have one of these symptoms or notice anyone around you having it, rush to the hospital. It is important to address it asap.
My mother had a stroke around her 60s due to a rare syndrome called Broken Heart or Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. She fully recovered with no side effects but besides the good care she had afterwards, she was rushed to the hospital asap. It was pretty scared. She just had came from the hospital after a heart procedure and had to go back. Thankfully her recover was pretty quick and uneventful. 🙏
That is why is so important to rush for help. It is your best chance.
And although at some cases the stroke cannot be preventable, like my mother’s case for instance, there are a few things you can do to prevent the preventable ones such as:
- Keep your blood pressure lower.
- Maintain a health weight.
- If you have diabetes, treat it and keep it under control.
- Exercise frequently.
- Don’t drink or drink in moderation.
- Treat atrial fibrillation.
- Don’t smoke. Ever.
Sources: Market Watch. and Harvard Health Publishing.
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