Prevent cerebral infarction and protect brain health!

1. Introduction

Cerebral infarction, also known as ischemic stroke, is caused by ischemic necrosis or softening of localized brain tissue due to obstruction of blood supply to the brain, ischemia, and hypoxia. Cerebral infarction not only brings great pain to the patient himself, but also brings a heavy burden to the family and society. Therefore, it is particularly important to prevent the occurrence of cerebral infarction.

2. Pathogenesis of cerebral infarction

1. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cerebral infarction. Long-term high blood lipids, high blood pressure, diabetes and other factors can lead to arterial endothelial damage, lipid deposition, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, narrowing and blocking blood vessels, and affecting the blood supply to the brain.

2. Thrombosis

Abnormal activation of platelets and coagulation factors in the blood can easily lead to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, blocking the cerebral blood vessels.

3. Heart disease

Heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction can lead to thrombosis in the heart cavity. The thrombi can break off and enter the cerebral blood vessels with the blood flow, causing cerebral infarction.

3. Risk factors for cerebral infarction

1. Unchangeable risk factors

1. Age: The risk of cerebral infarction gradually increases with age.

2. Genetic factors: People with a family history of cerebral infarction have a relatively higher risk of developing the disease.

2. Modifiable risk factors

1. Hypertension: Long-term hypertension can damage the vascular endothelium and promote the formation of atherosclerosis.

2. Hyperlipidemia: especially hypercholesterolemia, is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis.

3. Diabetes: Long-term poor blood sugar control in diabetic patients can easily lead to vascular diseases.

4. Smoking: Harmful substances in tobacco can damage the vascular endothelium and increase blood viscosity.

5. Obesity: Obese people often have metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, which increase the risk of cerebral infarction.

6. Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to slower blood circulation and decreased metabolic function.

7. Unhealthy diet: A diet high in salt, fat, and sugar can easily induce diseases such as high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia.

8. Excessive drinking: Long-term and heavy drinking can damage the vascular endothelium, affect liver function, and lead to abnormal coagulation function.

Strategies for preventing cerebral infarction

1. Healthy Lifestyle

1. Eat a healthy diet

- Control total calorie intake and keep body weight within normal range.

- Increase your intake of nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and beans.

- Reduce your intake of sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and added sugars.

2. Exercise moderately

- Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc.

- Increase strength training, such as weightlifting, push-ups, sit-ups, etc., to help increase muscle strength and improve metabolic function.

3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

- Quit smoking resolutely to avoid the harm of secondhand smoke.

- Limit alcohol intake to no more than 25 grams of alcohol per day for men and 15 grams for women.

4. Good sleep

- Maintain a regular schedule and get 7-8 hours of sleep every day.

- Create a good sleeping environment and avoid excessive excitement or use of electronic devices before going to bed.

2. Controlling underlying diseases

1. Hypertensive patients should measure their blood pressure regularly, take antihypertensive drugs as prescribed by their doctor, and control their blood pressure within the target range (generally below 140/90 mmHg, and patients with diabetes or kidney disease should control their blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg).

2. Patients with hyperlipidemia should test their blood lipids regularly and control their blood lipid levels within the normal range through diet control, exercise and drug treatment.

3. Diabetic patients should strictly control blood sugar, monitor blood sugar regularly, use hypoglycemic drugs or insulin as prescribed by doctors, and keep glycated hemoglobin below 7%.

3. Regular physical examination

1. People over 40 years old should undergo regular physical examinations, including blood pressure, blood lipids, blood sugar, electrocardiogram, carotid artery ultrasound, etc., to promptly identify potential risk factors.

2. For high-risk groups such as those with a family history of cerebral infarction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc., the frequency of physical examinations should be increased, and imaging examinations such as head CT and MRI should be performed when necessary.

4. Psychological Adjustment

Maintain an optimistic and positive attitude, avoid long-term mental stress, anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. Learn to deal with stress and relax your body and mind through meditation, yoga, travel and other methods.

V. Conclusion

Cerebral infarction is a preventable and controllable disease. Comprehensive preventive measures such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, actively controlling underlying diseases, regular physical examinations and maintaining a good mental state can effectively reduce the risk of cerebral infarction. Everyone is the first person responsible for their own health. Let us take action to jointly protect brain health and stay away from the threat of cerebral infarction.

References:

[1] Chinese Society of Neurology, Chinese Society of Neurology Cerebrovascular Disease Group. Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke 2018[J]. Chinese Journal of Neurology, 2018, 51(9): 666-682.

[2] Wu Jiang, Jia Jianping. Neurology[M]. 3rd edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2015.

[3] Wang Yongjun. Interpretation of the guidelines for secondary prevention of ischemic cerebrovascular disease[J]. Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine, 2016, 55(3): 244-247.