The Costa Rican Social Security Fund reported that, on average, Costa Ricans lose up to 10 years of life because of a stroke.
Strokes are the leading cause of death of 3 people per day and 6% result in the deaths of Costa Ricans.
Smoking, hypertension, physical inactivity and diabetes are some of the risk factors that can cause this illness.
But there are some signs you have to pay attention to:
That sudden dizziness could be normal, and headache you have could be part of the stress of everyday life. But these symptoms, as well as blurred vision and that “the tongue tangling” could be warnings and it’s better to pay close attention.
Fanny Rojas, Bible Clinic cardiologist, explained that cerebrovascular diseases are those that relate to impaired circulation in the brain because the arteries are swollen. For example, cholesterol can cause the rupture an bleeding of arteries, which is commonly known as stroke.
But, how do you know that you are having a stroke?
It’s difficult to speak, the strength of an arm or leg decreases, you get dizzy, there may be noises in your ear, you might lose consciousness, sometimes headaches indicate you can have a stroke due to increased pressure,”
said the doctor.
Alexander Parajeles, neurologist, said that only 20% of vascular problems occurred due to a bleeding event, similar to a pipe that breaks at home, filling everything with water.
However, according to the doctor, most cases are related to obstructions in the arteries, leading to a no-blood supply event called Ischemia.
Cerebrovascular disease is now considered as one of the leading causes of neurological problems in people over 60 years old.
According to Rojas, the only solution to avoid such problems is to keep a healthy lifestyle and be aware of diseases like diabetes.