Tet factors easily increase the risk of stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. The disease occurs year-round, affecting many ages. Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Duc, Head of the Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that sudden changes in lifestyle during the holidays often negatively affect blood pressure and blood sugar, thereby leading to stroke in people with underlying risk factors.

Eat salty, fatty foods

Traditional Tet dishes often contain a lot of salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Consuming too much can easily increase blood fat – a factor that promotes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of stroke. People with pre-existing atherosclerosis, if they eat uncontrolled, often promote blood fat increase, causing harm to their health.

Drink alcohol regularly

Alcohol can temporarily dilate blood vessels, then cause reflex vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure. Drinking a lot of alcohol on consecutive days also causes heart rhythm disturbances, especially atrial fibrillation – the leading risk factor for stroke due to blood clots from the heart moving to the brain. This risk is increased in older people and people with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Staying up late, lacking sleep

Lack of sleep disrupts circadian rhythms, activating the sympathetic nervous system, causing blood pressure to increase, especially at night and early in the morning. Not getting enough sleep for a long time reduces the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar.

Psychological stress

Stress during Tet occurs due to many reasons such as financial pressure, work, family conflicts or personal worries. Prolonged stress increases the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, causing rapid heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, and increased blood pressure. According to Dr. Minh Duc, psychological factors are often overlooked but are factors that promote stroke in people with pre-existing conditions.

Cold weather and sudden temperature changes

Tet often coincides with cold weather, especially in the Northern and Central regions. When it’s cold, blood vessels constrict, causing high blood pressure. Besides, a sudden change in environment from hot to cold and vice versa can cause blood pressure to fluctuate sharply, increasing the risk of brain hemorrhage.

Stopping or irregular use of medication

Some people arbitrarily stop blood pressure medication, diabetes medication or cardiovascular medication during Tet due to busyness or complacency. This causes loss of control over vital indicators, easily leading to acute cerebrovascular events.

To prevent strokes during Tet, doctor Minh Duc recommends that adults maintain a moderate diet, limit salt, fat and alcohol, get enough sleep, and avoid staying up late for long periods of time. Keep your body warm properly and limit sudden changes in temperature, take medication regularly as prescribed, and monitor blood pressure and blood sugar regularly to protect your health.

People with signs such as numbness in the arms and legs, distorted mouth, difficulty speaking, severe headaches, dizziness, or confusion of consciousness need to see a doctor and not wait for the holiday season. Early screening and control of risk factors helps reduce the risk of stroke as well as neurological complications.