Covid

Generally, the corona virus (COVID-19) attacks the respiratory tract, causing symptoms in the form of cough, fever and shortness of breath. However, in certain cases it turns out that COVID-19 can increase the risk of stroke, especially in younger people. What causes this condition to occur?

COVID-19 raises stroke risk in younger people

In fact, until now, the reason why some patients with COVID-19 can trigger a stroke risk is not certain. A study published in the journal Neurosurgery also tried to investigate this, especially in young patients who do not have risk factors for stroke.

The researchers think this phenomenon needs to be analyzed because patients aged 30-50 years experience a stroke that is common in patients over 70 years of age.

Although it is quite limited in several ways, at least this research aims to make the public more aware. This is because many adults and young people may not be aware that they have been infected with COVID-19 and develop a higher risk of stroke.

The study included 14 patients who were examined for stroke problems. Eight of the patients were male, the other six were female. Half of them did not know they had COVID-19. The rest were undergoing treatment for symptoms of other illnesses when they had a stroke.

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The results showed that patients symptomatic of a stroke delayed going to the hospital for fear of contracting the corona virus. As a result, the chance that a stroke can be treated is smaller and the delay also increases the risk for it.

What's more, 42% of the COVID-19 positive stroke patients who participated in the study were under 50 years of age. Apart from that, they also had strokes in the large blood vessels, in both hemispheres of the brain, and both arteries and veins of the brain.

This phenomenon is quite rare, especially in patients who have risk factors for stroke. Therefore, people need to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 they are experiencing in order to get fast treatment.

The cause of COVID-19 triggers the risk of stroke

The risk of stroke experienced by COVID-19 patients, especially those who are still quite young, requires special attention. Starting from what causes this respiratory disease virus to cause strokes to its treatment.

According to the researchers, the COVID-19 virus enters the human body through a protein cell called ACE2. This corona virus then attaches to the protein and uses it as a pathway into the cell where the virus replicates.

Not all cells have the same amount of ACE2 protein and this protein also spreads to the cells lining the blood vessels, heart, and lungs. Researchers suspect that this coronavirus may also interfere with the normal function of receptors, which are cells that control flow in the brain.

Apart from interference with the receptors, another possible cause is inflammation of the blood vessels. This can cause injury to the cells lining the body's lumen or endothelium. As a result, small vessels can become blocked.

For those who are in the group at risk of stroke, such as hypertension and diabetes, it is very possible to experience excessive blood clots.

This condition can arise because of the inflammation caused by COVID-19. When this happens, the risk of having a minor stroke or ischemic stroke increases.

The research, conducted by a team of surgeons at Thomas Jefferson University, aims to remind health workers and the public to be more careful. The reason is, the risk of stroke is very likely to occur in those who do not realize that they have COVID-19 or feel sick due to the virus infection.

What do you need to pay attention to?

The risk of stroke caused by COVID-19 certainly makes people even more worried. Therefore, it is very important to undertake efforts to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Starting from using a mask to following the guidelines social distancing and keep your hands clean.

In addition, exercising regularly while undergoing quarantine at home is also important. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and regularly taking medication are still efforts to reduce the risk of stroke, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What's more, you also need to pay attention to the symptoms of COVID-19 that are associated with stroke. COVID-19 patients are very likely to experience symptoms related to brain problems and stroke symptoms, such as:

• headache
• loss of sense of smell function
• often feel lethargic and sleepy
• difficult to speak
• numbness in the arm or leg

If you or a member of your household develops any of these symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance. Apart from that COVID-19 can trigger the risk of stroke, especially in young people, those who experience related symptoms need to get prompt treatment.