A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and chronic lack of sleep can significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke, a condition in which blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted by a clot in an artery, vascular surgeon Professor Anahita Dua told the Daily Mail.
The doctor mentioned the lack of physical activity as the main risk factor. This habit is associated with an increase in blood glucose and fat levels and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol). This leads to damage to the vessel walls and the deposition of cholesterol in the form of plaques, which can eventually block the vessel or cause blood clots.
Diet also plays an important role. Regular consumption of foods rich in salt, saturated fat, and industrial trans fat (such as those found in margarine, expired cookies, processed foods, and fast food) raises blood pressure and accelerates inflammatory processes in blood vessels. According to Dua, this increases the risk of flaking of the artery wall and the formation of blood clots, which can travel to the vessels of the brain and cause a stroke.
Among other daily habits that negatively affect vascular health, the doctor mentioned smoking, chronic lack of sleep and neglecting regular medical examinations. These factors are also associated with increased systemic inflammation, blood pressure instability, and heart rhythm disturbances, which further increase the risk of serious vascular complications.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
