Hot summer... Stroke occurrence is no less than in winter

During the summer, increased body temperature causes blood vessels to expand, which slows down blood flow and hampers blood supply to brain cells. Especially in hot summer months, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, which increases blood viscosity and raises the risk of stroke (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) due to blood clot formation.

Suddenly going outside into a high-temperature environment after your body temperature has dropped due to indoor cooling can cause an excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system and vasoconstriction due to the abrupt temperature difference, which may increase the risk of stroke.

Stroke is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. First, ischemic stroke (cerebral infarction) is a condition where a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, causing damage to part of the brain. Any blood vessel, from the carotid artery in the neck, the vertebral-basilar artery, to very small arteries inside the brain, can become blocked.

The most common symptoms are paralysis or sensory loss in one limb.

Language impairment, dizziness, headache, diplopia, and visual disturbances may accompany. The prognosis of cerebral infarction worsens the longer treatment is delayed. If the golden time is missed, oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, and the brain begins to necrosis. Risk factors for blockage of cerebral blood vessels due to blood clots include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

In contrast, cerebral hemorrhage occurs when a narrowed brain blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding inside the brain. Hypertension is the primary cause. Additionally, cerebral aneurysms, brain tumors, and vascular malformations can also lead to cerebral hemorrhage.

Avoid outdoor activities during the ongoing heatwave, and also ensure adequate hydration and regular exercise.

Especially for the elderly, temperature regulation is more important than anything else during the hot summer months. It is advisable to refrain from outdoor activities during the high-temperature daytime and to stay active indoors.

Maintain indoor temperature at an appropriate level, and be careful not to let body temperature drop excessively when using air conditioning or fans. Especially since you sweat a lot, pay attention to hydration to prevent dehydration, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and ensure adequate intake of vegetables and fruits, as proper diet management is also important.

Regular exercise also helps promote blood circulation and regulate blood pressure, so it should not be neglected. However, on hot days, outdoor activities should be avoided as much as possible, and special attention should be paid to preventing cerebral infarction through adequate hydration and other measures.