World Stroke Week is held from October 28 to November 3! October 29 - World Stroke Day. This date was established by the World Stroke Organization to draw public attention to the problems associated with vascular diseases. Every year, 17 million cases are diagnosed worldwide, of which 6 million people die. Another 5 million have consequences that lead to disability. Domestic statistics are also disappointing: 100 000-110 000 thousand strokes are diagnosed annually (more than 1/3 are people of working age). Acute cerebrovascular disorders rank second in the ranking of causes of death from cardiovascular diseases. 20-40% of patients who survive become disabled, and only 10% return to full life.
       We discuss this topical issue with a neurologist of the State Institution "TMA of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Chernivtsi region" Oksana Andrianivna Iftodiy.
  ⚠️ A stroke is an acute disorder of cerebral circulation that results in damage to part of the brain or spinal cord. Distinguish:
- ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of arteries by a blood clot or their spasm;
- hemorrhagic stroke caused by rupture of the cerebral artery and penetration of blood into the brain tissue. 
Most often, the disease occurs suddenly, against the background of complete well-being. But the worst thing is that stroke is difficult to predict.
❗INCREASES THE RISK OF STROKE:
▫️ high blood pressure;
▫️ high cholesterol;
▫️ heart rhythm disorders;
▫️ overweight;
▫️ diabetes mellitus;
▫️ smoking and alcohol abuse.

 SYMPTOMS OF STROKE:
 To recognize a stroke. You need to remember a simple abbreviation - MOZOK (eng: brain):   
❗️ But sometimes a stroke can manifest itself only with intense headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
 It is important to note that within the first 4.5 hours, doctors can eliminate the consequences of a stroke, but for this, it is necessary to suspect and diagnose the attack in time and deliver the patient to the hospital no later than 3 hours after its onset. 
 ❗️ So, what you need to do to protect yourself from stroke:
1. Normalization of high blood pressure, and correction of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Control of heart health: treatment of arrhythmias, in particular atrial fibrillation, as the most common risk factor for stroke.
3. Lifestyle modification, reduction of excess weight, moderate physical activity, healthy balanced diet with limitation of salt and animal fats.
4. Quitting tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse.
5. Regular preventive medical examinations to identify and treat risk factors for stroke.