The study analyzed the time of onset of stroke in nearly 12,000 stroke patients and found that the incidence rate of stroke from 6 a.m. to noon was nearly 80% higher than that at other times of the day; situational photo. (Picture taken from Pexels)
[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] Strokes also have a common period! A study analyzing nearly 12,000 stroke patients found that the incidence of stroke between 6 a.m. and noon was nearly 80% higher than that during the rest of the day. In addition to the increase in blood pressure after getting up, the blood coagulation state also changes with the biological clock, which may make the morning a time when stroke is more likely to occur.
The Washington Post reported on the 9th that this comprehensive analysis conducted by researchers at Rush University School of Medicine in the United States compiled 31 studies and a total of 11,816 stroke cases. The results found that ischemic stroke caused by blood clots blocking blood vessels, hemorrhagic stroke caused by blood vessel rupture, and transient ischemic attacks all have higher incidence rates from 6 a.m. to noon.
The American Stroke Association uses B.E.F.A.S.T. to remind the public to pay attention to the warning signs of stroke, including sudden loss of balance, vision changes, face tilt, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking. If you notice symptoms, seek help immediately. (Photo taken from American Stroke Association)
Why are the risks higher in the morning? Blood pressure is usually low when the human body is sleeping, gradually rises when getting up, and may further rise after getting up and moving. In addition, platelets are more likely to aggregate in the morning, and proteins that inhibit thrombolysis will also increase in the blood, which may increase the risk of blood vessel obstruction.
Stroke not only causes a crooked mouth and weak hands, but also requires attention to abnormalities in vision and balance.
Common symptoms of stroke include a distorted face, unilateral weakness in the hands and feet, and slurred speech, but some patients do not have these typical symptoms. One study found that about one-seventh of stroke patients did not have the above symptoms at the time of the stroke. Instead, they may suddenly lose their balance, walk unsteadily, or have vision changes.
The American Stroke Association uses "B.E.F.A.S.T." to remind the public to recognize stroke warning signs. In addition to facial distortion (Face), arm weakness (Arms) and difficulty speaking (Speech), you should also pay attention to sudden loss of balance (Balance) or changes in vision (Eyes); the last T stands for time (Time), reminding the public to seek help immediately once they notice these symptoms. If any of the warning signs appear suddenly, seek medical attention immediately and do not wait for symptoms to go away on their own.
Stroke treatment takes time. Some patients with ischemic stroke can receive thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy; after evaluation by imaging examination, some patients may still receive thrombectomy within 24 hours even if the onset of illness lasts more than 6 hours. If the patient only notices abnormalities after waking up from sleep, the doctor will ask the last time the patient was confirmed to be normal as an important basis for evaluation and treatment.
High blood pressure is an important risk factor for stroke. As for whether blood pressure-lowering drugs should be taken before bed, neither the British nor Canadian trials found that taking drugs before bed could reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction or death. The researchers reminded that people should take medicine regularly and not change the time on their own; if they want to adjust, they should discuss it with their doctor first.
