A stroke generally occurs when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or interrupted, preventing the brain tissue from getting sufficient nutrients and oxygen.
Many people are unaware that strokes can also be caused by inadequate or improper medical care, such as harmful or incorrect medication, unnecessary surgery, or misdiagnosis. The negligent doctor should be held responsible. As a victim, you might need a medical malpractice attorney to get compensation for your health condition.
There are several risk factors that contribute to a stroke, some of which can be treated or prevented.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the major causes of stroke. Generally, high blood pressure increases strain on the blood vessels. It may weaken and damage your arteries, which makes them prone to blockage or rupture resulting in a stroke or other heart-related issues.
Diabetes
People who suffer from high blood sugar levels have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease like stroke. It may affect the oxygen supply and flow of blood to the brain. Uncontrolled diabetes levels may cause obesity and high blood pressure, which also contribute to stroke.
Family history and genetic factors
Family history is one of the main risk factors that can increase the risk of getting a stroke. You have a higher chance of getting one if your grandparents or a close relative has had a stroke. This occurs due to genetic factors that affect blood clotting, blood pressure, blood vessels, and cholesterol levels.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Physical inactivity can contribute to heart-related diseases and stroke. Studies have discovered that physically inactive people are more likely to be obese and develop high blood pressure and diabetes, and have abnormal changes in their cholesterol levels. It also reduces the elasticity of the arteries.
Failure to Diagnose
There are chances that a person may visit a doctor for a regular checkup, but the healthcare professional may completely miss the symptoms of stroke that were present at that time. In most cases, the individual may not realize they are at risk of a stroke until it happens. This is called failure to diagnose and it falls under medical malpractice. Contact a lawyer to find out how you can pursue the healthcare professional legally.
Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes or any other type of tobacco can increase the risk of stroke in people. It affects the blood vessels and also increases the risk of clot formation, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Clot formation causes a hemorrhagic stroke or ischemic stroke. It can also decrease the oxygen levels in the blood and raise blood pressure.
Final Thoughts
The article highlights some of the factors that contribute to a stroke. Most of them can be controlled or modified by taking proper medication or making healthy lifestyle changes.
It is necessary to be aware of the risk factors and also take the right steps to lower the chance of getting a stroke.
If you or someone you know suffered a stroke due to medical negligence, then it is essential to contact a medical malpractice attorney who can guide you thro