Sometimes, regardless of any health problems, a major medical emergency such as a stroke can occur. You may be doing everything right, or at least it may seem so, but still, you are at risk. To understand more about the hidden triggers that go unnoticed, HT Lifestyle got in touch with Dr Satwant Sachdeva, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, who revealed that there are some hidden culprits that silently increase the risk of stroke in seemingly healthy individuals.
Also read: Neurologists share the 3S that silently increase your stroke risk
Explaining how stroke occurs, he said, “Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, reducing the amount of oxygen and other essential nutrients the brain needs.”
Among the many risk factors, hypertension and diabetes are well established. “High blood pressure and diabetes are two common causes that lead to stroke, but hidden causes such as stress, dehydration and genetic factors can also play an important role,” the neurologist said.
But there are some less obvious, hidden triggers that can silently harm the body and gradually push you towards stroke without showing any obvious warning signs. So while health parameters may look fine on paper, there are certain factors operating in the background that are significantly increasing your risk of stroke.
Hidden triggers for stroke
Elaborating on the lesser known causes, Dr. Sachdeva explains, “Chronic stress and inadequate sleep increases cortisol levels, which can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure.” When you’re regularly stressed, your body remains in a state of stress, producing the stress hormone, cortisol, which weakens your blood vessels, increasing your blood pressure and resulting in an increased risk of stroke.
The next trigger is dehydration. As you are dehydrated, the neurologist revealed that the blood becomes thicker and the person becomes more vulnerable to clotting. “Dehydration can make the blood thicker and more likely to form clots,” he said.
According to Dr. Sachdeva, unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, crash dieting or excessive exercise can also cause stroke.
5 preventive measures for stroke
Stroke can be prevented with the help of some simple changes in lifestyle. The neurologist recommended:
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain healthy blood flow.
- Monitor heart health: Get regular checkups done for early detection of conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Know your family history: If you have a family history of stroke or clotting disorders, talk to your doctor about preventive screening.
- Adopt a balanced lifestyle: Avoid smoking and crash diets; Instead, focus on moderation, nutritious eating, and regular physical activity.
- Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days helps keep blood vessels healthy.
One reason why stroke becomes an emergency is that the early signs are ignored. “Strokes usually start quietly and with unnoticeable signs that can be easily ignored. Headaches, sudden weakness or fatigue may seem benign, but these can all be signals the body is taking,” said Dr. Sachdeva. They drew attention to how these warning signs often coincide with common issues like stress or exhaustion. They are then often dismissed, until it is too late.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
