Learn about the connection between the two and how to better protect yourself against them! Stroke is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty speaking. It’s one of the leading causes of death for people over 65 and can strike anyone, regardless of age or gender. In fact, approximately 15% of all strokes are a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Even though stroke may be fatal, it’s treatable and can often be prevented!
We have already discussed the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain. Drugs and alcohol have a number of negative effects that can lead to a number of long-term consequences.
Is Alcohol Abuse a Risk Factor for Stroke?
A number of recent studies have connected alcohol abuse and problems to an increased risk of some sorts of strokes. As a person consumes more alcohol, their chance of having a stroke rises. The greatest approach to avoid additional stroke danger is to get treatment for alcohol dependency and abuse.
Chronic heavy drinking has a variety of negative consequences on a person’s life. This is especially true in the case of an individual’s health. Alcohol abuse is associated with a number of medical problems, ranging from minor to potentially fatal. The incidence of stroke is one of them.
Moderate drinking has been linked to a decreased incidence of certain health problems, including stroke, gastrointestinal diseases, and some illnesses. However, more recent studies have found that even low levels of alcohol intake might raise the risk of some types of strokes.
What Is A Stroke? What Is It, And What Does It Mean?
A stroke, often known as a “brain attack,” is when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off. When the brain’s blood flow and oxygen are interrupted, brain cells can begin to die. The length of time a person suffers from a stroke determines the level of long-term damage.
What part of the brain is affected by a stroke determines what kind of impact it will have on an individual. Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, tiredness, and numbness are common stroke symptoms. A stroke may be painful or cause only a headache.
Ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage are the three types of stroke. Ischemic strokes are the most common form of stroke, accounting for around 80 percent of all strokes.
Symptoms of a stroke include drowsiness/numbness on one side of the body, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, severe headache, difficulties understanding speech or speaking, difficulties walking, or coordination impairments.
A stroke generally begins suddenly and seemingly out of the blue. It is critical to seek medical assistance as soon as possible in order to minimize the harm caused by a stroke.
Is Alcohol a Big Stroke RIsk?
Alcohol, and particularly alcoholism, has the potential to dramatically increase a person’s risk of stroke. According to a recent study, one to two drinks each day might raise the risk of stroke by 10 to 15 percent. The chance of suffering a stroke increases by up to 35 percent after drinking four or more drinks each day.
Alcohol-induced strokes are more frequent than nonalcohol-induced ones. The following are some of the risk factors associated with alcohol that can cause a stroke:
Alcohol abuse can cause high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is the most common cause of stroke in humans.
Weight Gain
Being overweight or obese can boost a person’s chance of having a stroke. It might be tough to keep weight off if you drink alcohol on a daily basis. Maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle can minimize the chances that a stroke occurs.
Alcohol increases the risk of diabetes by altering how the body utilizes insulin, which can promote the development of type 2 diabetes.
A person with diabetes has a twofold increased chance of suffering a stroke.
Alcohol is a known risk factor for liver damage.
Alcohol is a known cause of liver damage. When the liver is harmed, it stops producing substances that help the blood clot. This can raise the risk of stroke.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol Can Raise Your Risk Of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition in which the heart’s rhythm fluctuates. Drinking alcohol consumption can induce this illness, raising the risk of stroke.
The more alcohol a person consumes, the more likely he or she is to have a stroke. Furthermore, studies revealed that even low amounts of alcohol can raise stroke risk. According to some research, there is no such thing as a healthy amount of alcohol when it comes to reducing the risk of stroke.
Is it possible to drink alcohol after a stroke?
For most individuals, drinking alcohol after a stroke is not advised. Alcohol consumption and abuse can increase the risk of another stroke. Those who maintain their drinking habits after a stroke is also at an increased risk of developing other possible negative consequences.
After a stroke, remember that:
- Certain medicines might interact with each other in ways that increase the risk of dangerous side effects from medications taken to prevent another stroke.
- increase a person’s susceptibility to the harmful effects of drinking alcohol
- The amount of fat in your diet contributes to weight gain, which raises the risk of another stroke.
- Tingling in the hands and feet, insomnia, migraine headaches, irritability or anger swings, anxiety attacks, and splitting headaches are all common symptoms of post-stroke depression.
If you want to drink after having a hemorrhagic stroke, it is critical to speak with your doctor.
Furthermore, if you were an alcoholic before your stroke, cutting back or getting treatment may be the finest way to prevent another one.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Getting help for alcohol abuse or addiction can reduce your stroke risks and other deadly health problems. Many individuals with an alcohol use problem benefit the most from formal Alcoholics Anonymous treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment is generally part of a formal therapy program. These programs provide comprehensive addiction recovery plans that are tailored to each client’s requirements.
Inpatient rehabilitation programs frequently demand people to stay at the facility for weeks or months while receiving therapy.
Contact a treatment professional immediately to learn more about how alcohol use may raise stroke risk.
