Summer is the season when sweating becomes more active. Even at the same temperature, people who sweat more than others should be cautious of strokes.

 

Excessive sweating reduces the body's water content, making the blood more viscous than usual. This slows down blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a higher chance of stroke. A stroke is a condition where blood vessels in the brain become blocked or rupture, causing brain damage. If a blood vessel is blocked, it is called an ischemic stroke; if it ruptures, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

 

A study at Gangnam Severance Hospital found that patients with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) have a higher risk of stroke compared to those without hyperhidrosis. The study also showed that treating hyperhidrosis reduced the risk of stroke.

In particular, hypertensive patients are at high risk of stroke, so they should be careful not to sweat excessively. When blood pressure is high, blood stimulates the vessel walls each time it passes through the arteries. If an inflammatory response occurs in the fatty deposits accumulated on the vessel walls, the walls gradually thicken and harden, hindering smooth blood circulation. This increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke.

 

To prevent summer strokes, you should drink enough water.

It is good to drink about one cup (200mL) every 15 minutes, even if your throat does not feel dry.

 

Avoid consuming foods that promote diuretic effects, such as salty foods and beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

 

It is safe for the elderly to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and other health conditions.

 

Sometimes people excessively lower the indoor cooling temperature to avoid sweating.

This actually increases the risk of stroke.

 

When moving between cold indoor and hot outdoor environments and experiencing rapid temperature changes, blood flow can stagnate, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can block blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. The temperature difference between indoor and outdoor should not exceed 10 degrees Celsius.

 

If a stroke is suspected, you must quickly go to the emergency room.

If a blocked blood vessel is opened within three hours of onset, major brain damage can be prevented. The longer the delay, the worse the condition becomes.

 

The typical symptoms include dizziness, severe headache, impaired balance, numbness or paralysis in one arm or leg, slurred speech, double vision, aphasia, visual disturbances, swallowing difficulties, and decreased consciousness. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile, close their eyes and stretch their arms forward, and say "Is this a peeled or unpeeled soybean?" If they cannot do any of these properly, they should visit a hospital immediately.