Sudden Death Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Diagnosis and Treatment

Hypertension as earlier mentioned in sudden death syndrome may not present with any signs or symptoms. The only way to detect hypertension is to have the blood pressure checked by a trained and qualified health worker. Once the blood pressure is detected to be high on more than two occasions, the person will be commenced on anti-hypertensive drugs which sometimes one may take for the rest of one’s life. Regular monitoring of the blood pressure is of utmost importance, particularly from the age of 40 and above. It is frightening to note that hypertension is being detected at earlier ages around 30 and 40 years.


Prevention

Avoidance of the predisposing factors is a very important step in the prevention of hypertension, hypertensive heart diseases, and stroke. A drastic reduction in salt intake, particularly from the age of forty helps to slow down the onset of hypertension. A diet low in fat and a reduction in alcohol intake, abstinence from smoking and regular exercise are very important.

All forms of stress and lack of sleep should be minimised. After the age of 40, it is advisable to generally slow down on all the activities. Once this is done, you have overcome the mid-age crisis, and you will be able to live longer.

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Stroke Management

What Is Stroke

Stroke is medically known as a cerebrovascular accident which is the rapid loss of brain functions due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain and this can be due to ischema (lack of blood flow) which is caused by blockage or leakage of blood, and as a result, the affected area of the brain cannot function and this might result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the visual field.

A medical emergency that can cause permanent neurological damage, complications, and death is called STROKES. Stroke is the leading cause of an adult disability and the second cause of death worldwide.

Stroke Symptoms

The most common stroke signs and symptoms include:

Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the 

body

Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech

Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision

Dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination

Seizures, fainting or blacking out

Typically, stroke symptoms start suddenly and in most cases do not progress further. Stroke symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected.

When the area of the brain affected is more extensive, the more the functions that is likely to be lost.

Most cases, the stroke symptoms affect only one side of the body and this depends on the affected part of the brain.

When stroke affect the brain stem, the brain can produce symptoms relating to deficit in the cranial nerves.

Supplements helpful to prevent stroke

Fish Oil: Fish oil helps thin the blood.

Vitamin B: High dose of vitamin supplements may help reduce the risk of stroke as well as death and cardiac events.

Ginkgo Biloba: Extract from the leaves of the gingko biloba trees offers promise to minimise brain damage caused by stroke.

Dark Chocolate: Eating dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure, boost normal responses to insulin to keep sugar levels down, and improve blood vessel function in patients with high blood pressure.

Potassium: This is another potent antidote against strokes; eating potassium rich food every day may reduce the risk of stroke 40%.

Calcium: calcium is very important in rectifying all circulatory diseases and disorders including stroke. Calcium is the most alkaline mineral in the mineral family, and it helps to counteract acidity and bust up accumulated debris that sick to the arterial walls and thus open up clogged and obstructed arteries.

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