Stroke and cerebral infarction can occur suddenly and leave devastating consequences. However, most cases can be prevented if you pay attention to early warning signs and manage your health proactively. Below are the most important factors you should remember to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Three Health Indicators That Act as “Triggers” for Blood Vessels

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and cerebral infarction. Persistent hypertension damages blood vessel walls, making them fragile and more likely to rupture or form blood clots.
An ideal blood pressure level is around 120/80 mmHg. If your readings frequently exceed 140/90 mmHg, immediate medical management is essential to reduce long-term vascular damage.

Blood Lipids

Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels lead to plaque buildup inside blood vessels, gradually narrowing them. When these plaques rupture or detach, they can block blood flow to the brain, triggering an ischemic stroke.
Regular lipid monitoring and dietary adjustments play a crucial role in preventing arterial blockage.

Blood Sugar

High blood sugar damages the inner lining of blood vessels, accelerates atherosclerosis, and significantly increases the risk of cerebral infarction.
Both people with diabetes and those without should maintain stable blood glucose levels, as fluctuations can silently harm the vascular system over time.

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One Disease That Must Never Be Overlooked: Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat. When AF occurs, the atria fail to contract effectively, causing blood to pool and increasing the likelihood of clot formation.
If a clot travels from the heart to the brain, it can result in a severe and potentially fatal cerebral infarction.

Statistics show that individuals with atrial fibrillation have a fivefold higher risk of stroke compared to the general population. Therefore, proper treatment combined with anticoagulant therapy is vital to prevent dangerous blood clots.

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Six Seemingly Harmless Habits That Can Activate a “Silent Killer”

1. Excessive salt intake
   Consuming more than 6 grams of salt per day causes blood pressure to rise gradually and become difficult to control.

2. Smoking and alcohol consumption
   Nicotine constricts blood vessels, while alcohol thickens the blood—both significantly increase the risk of clot formation.

3. Chronic sleep deprivation
   Sleeping fewer than 6 hours per night can cause blood pressure and blood sugar levels to fluctuate by up to 30%, placing heavy stress on the cardiovascular system.

4. Prolonged sitting without movement
   After just 2 hours of continuous sitting, blood circulation can decrease by up to 60%, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and embolism.

5. Insufficient water intake
   When the body is dehydrated, blood viscosity can double, making circulation more difficult and increasing the risk of vascular blockage.

6. Emotional stress and anger
   A sudden emotional outburst can cause blood pressure to spike by as much as 40 mmHg within minutes, triggering acute vascular events.

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Effective Prevention Strategies Backed by Evidence

• Brisk walking for 30 minutes daily can reduce the risk of cerebral infarction by up to 25%.

• Replacing 50% of refined carbohydrates with whole grains helps stabilize blood sugar and reduces glucose fluctuations by approximately 40%.

• Consuming 20 grams of dietary fiber per day can slow the progression of atherosclerosis by as much as 35%.

• Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and undergoing regular health checkups further enhance long-term protection.

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Remember the “120” Stroke Warning Rule

• 1 side of the body becomes weak or numb

• 2 corners of the mouth become uneven or droop

• 0 difficulty speaking or slurred speech

➡ Call emergency services immediately.
Do not take aspirin on your own, as it may worsen the condition if the stroke is hemorrhagic.

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Prevention Starts Early – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

• From age 20: Monitor blood lipid levels

• From age 30: Manage blood sugar

• From age 40: Control blood pressure

• From age 50: Begin regular vascular examinations

Stroke and cerebral infarction are not exclusive to the elderly—15% of cases occur in people under 40. Taking proactive steps today is the smartest way to safeguard your future health and avoid irreversible regret.