With 55,434 deaths in 2018 alone, cerrebrovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in Italy, while stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults and the second leading cause of dementia. But prevent them or at least limit their effects. Such as? With a healthy lifestyle and acting in time in case of symptoms.
To say it is the Ministry of Health that has released a document aimed at all citizens, with guidelines to protect themselves from this type of disease.
Cerebrovascular diseases, how to recognize them
Cerebrovascular diseases, in fact, are “Time-dependent”. This means that the quicker action is taken, the lower the risk of serious or fatal outcomes. Cerebrovascular diseases often have a sudden onset, but they can also manifest themselves with a blurred and slowly worsening symptomatology over time. Ample space, for example, must be given to the early identification and adequate management of factors such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, vascular disease.
How to prevent them: little coffee, no smoking and regular exercise
In terms of prevention, the document released by the ministry and elaborated by the Working Group on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Italian Alliance for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases, refers to the importance of healthy lifestyles, possibly throughout the course of life. Among the recommendations: do not smoke, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol consumption, follow a correct diet, do not exceed three cups of coffee per day.
What to do in case of symptoms
In case of symptoms it is essential to call 112/118 immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve spontaneously; do not call and do not go to the general practitioner or to the emergency medical service; not to go to the emergency room by one’s own means, also to avoid going to a hospital where at least intravenous thrombolytic treatment is not available “.