On an ordinary weekend, Aunt Li was busy preparing dinner at home. Suddenly, she noticed a slight numbness in her right finger, as if she had been lightly touched by the tips of countless tiny needles. At first, Aunt Li thought it was just a temporary numbness caused by holding the kitchen utensils for a long time, so she didn't pay attention to it. However, over time, this numbness did not go away as expected, but instead flare-ups and seemed to intensify. At the insistence of her family, Aunt Li finally went to the hospital for a comprehensive examination, and the results showed that it was not just a simple hand problem, but an early sign of poor cerebral blood flow, and an alarm of cerebral infarction (referred to as cerebral infarction).
This story is not an isolated case, but a reminder that some body signals, although small, can be a harbinger of more serious health problems. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, it is necessary to be vigilant about these "small signals".
Introduction to Cerebral Infarction: How Did It Come About?
Cerebral infarction, also known as cerebral infarction, occurs when the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, causing brain cells in that area to be damaged or die due to lack of oxygen. The consequences of cerebral infarction are severe, and can lead to speech and mobility impairments, and even disability and death. Understanding the basics of cerebral infarction is the first step in prevention and early recognition.
Why do cerebral infarctions occur?
Cerebral infarction is caused by two main factors:
Blockage of blood vessels: Blood clots or other substances inside blood vessels block blood vessels, preventing blood flow to the brain.
Vascular stenosis: Long-term hypertension, hyperlipidemia and other problems lead to hardening of the blood vessels, narrowing the lumen of blood vessels, and obstruction of blood flow.
Risk factors for cerebral infarction include:
Increasing age: As we age, the risk of cerebral infarction increases as the blood vessels age.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Smoking, drinking, high-salt and high-fat diet, lack of exercise, etc. are all factors that increase the risk of cerebral infarction.
Chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus (abnormal glucose metabolism), hyperlipidemia, etc., are closely related to the occurrence of cerebral infarction.
Prevention of cerebral infarction begins with understanding
Recognizing the severity of cerebral infarction and its potential triggers, we can prevent cerebral infarction by improving lifestyle and managing risk factors for chronic diseases. Simple daily habit modifications, such as regular check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, are all effective ways to prevent cerebral infarction.
Finger numbness: a hidden signal of cerebral infarction
Before exploring the association between numbness of the fingers and cerebral infarction, it is important to understand the basic concept of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction, commonly known as cerebral infarction, is a disease caused by the blockage of cerebral blood vessels, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the brain, which in turn causes damage or death of brain cells. Finger numbness, although it may seem like a common and underappreciated symptom, can be a warning sign of poor blood flow to the brain. When the blood supply to an area of the brain is suddenly interrupted, it can affect the areas of the brain that control the movement and sensation of the hand, resulting in a brief numbness in the fingers or hands.
Scientific studies have shown that risk factors for cerebral infarction include high blood pressure, heart disease, abnormal glucose metabolism, and increased blood pressure in systemic arteries. These factors can increase blood viscosity, leading to obstruction of blood circulation, which in turn can lead to cerebral infarction. Therefore, when you experience numbness in your fingers for no apparent reason, especially if this symptom is accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, or slurred speech, etc., you should seek medical help immediately to rule out the possibility of cerebral infarction.
Locking in Health: How to Stay Away from Cerebral Infarction
To prevent cerebral infarction, we must first understand and control the risk factors. Improving lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, maintaining an appropriate weight, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, are key steps in preventing cerebral infarction. Especially for middle-aged and older adults, these measures not only reduce the risk of cerebral infarction, but also improve overall health.
1. Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can increase the pumping efficiency of the heart, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cerebral infarction. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, can be beneficial for your health.
2. Eat a balanced diet: A high-fiber, low-fat, fruit-and-vegetable diet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of cerebral infarction. Avoiding foods high in salt, sugar and fat is an important part of preventing cerebral infarction.
3. Health monitoring: It is essential to check blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels regularly, especially for individuals with abnormal glucose metabolism and elevated blood pressure in systemic arteries. Abnormally high levels of these markers are important risk factors for cerebral infarction.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the health of blood vessels and increase the risk of cerebral infarction. Smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption are important for the prevention of cerebral infarction.
5. Mental Health: Maintaining a positive mindset and effectively managing stress are also aspects that cannot be ignored in preventing cerebral infarction. Long-term psychological stress can lead to increased blood pressure and an increased risk of cerebral infarction.
In summary, through these concrete and practical measures, we can not only effectively prevent the occurrence of cerebral infarction, but also improve the quality of life and enjoy a healthy life. Everyone should be aware that a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing cerebral infarction and many other diseases.