What You Should Know About Strokes

Larry A. Law

A stroke is an emergency situation involving the brain. The lack of oxygen to the brain results in brain cells dying within minutes. As of 2020, 1 out of every 21 deaths in America was due to stroke. Fortunately, 4 out of 5 are preventable. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke greatly improves the chances of recovery. A simple acronym helps identify when someone is experiencing a stroke. FAST: F=Face drooping; A=Arm weakness; S=Speech difficulty; T=Time to call 911. Other symptoms can include headache, vision problems, loss of balance, disorientation, and memory loss.

Two Types of Stroke

1. The most common type of stroke (87%) is from blocked arteries (ischemic). The blockage can be from calcified plaque (not cholesterol) or a blood clot. A temporary disruption of blood flow is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a ministroke. Ischemic strokes are further divided into two subcategories: thrombotic and embolic, but they both involve blockages (plaque or blood clots) which interrupt the flow of blood to the brain.

2.  Only 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic, meaning that a blood vessel in the brain bursts or leaks. This type is also divided into two subcategories: intracerebral and subarachnoid, but both involve the hemorrhaging (leaking) of blood from blood vessels in the brain.

Risk Factors
​
Age: People over 55 have higher risk

COVID-19 vaccination: mRNA injections dramatically increase risk of myocarditis, inflammation, and microclotting. Autopsies show a disturbing number of rubbery clots in the vaccinated not seen before. A systemic review of 325 autopsies showed vaccination caused or significantly contributed to 74% of the deaths. 

Obesity/diabetes: Cardiovascular disease (particularly atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation) and high blood pressure

Race/ethnicity: Blacks and Hispanics, especially males, have higher risk. In fact, men in general are more likely than women to have a stroke

Sleep apnea: Lack of sound rest affects the body's ability to heal and recover at night

Prevention

Weight loss: Losing weight is probably the number one thing that can be done. Eliminate processed foods and commit to a real, whole food (primarily plant-based) diet. With such a diet, you can eat until you are full and this avoids the starvation factor that derails so many other approaches. Losing weight will help you want to be more active and will help sleeping issues. 

Stress: Expressing gratitude is a great stress reducer. Let go of useless worry (things that don't need to be considered right now or things that are out of your direct control). Find purpose in life and joy in your specific journey (or change course until you feel aligned with who you are called and gifted to be). Don't spend inordinate amounts of time with cell phones and television. Socialize with real people (without technology). Plant a garden; get your hands in the soil; get out into nature. Listen to inspiring music. Read or listen to wisdom writings.

Avoid things that damage: Alcohol and soda consumption, smoking, drugs, unnecessary medications (and inadequately tested vaccines), harmful synthetic vitamins and inorganic minerals, bioengineered food (GMO, lab-grown, ultra-processed), toxic sunscreen (most of it is carcinogenic), 5G cell tower radiation, ... See my book, There's An Elephant in the Room—Exposing Hidden Truths in the Science of Health, for more thoughts and ideas.