Genetic History and Lifestyle Identified as Stroke Risk Factors

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dr. Ramdinal Aviesena Zairinal, Sp.N(K), a neurologist and neurocritical care subspecialist from the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI), stated that stroke can be triggered by various risk factors, particularly those affecting blood vessels. Stroke is a vascular disease that attacks the blood vessels of the brain, so problems with blood vessels can potentially trigger the risk of stroke.

“When a stroke occurs, there are indeed many risk factors involved. There is high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and uncontrollable factors, for example, heredity,” said the doctor, who is familiarly called Sena, to ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.

There are several other factors that can also cause a person to suffer a stroke. For instance, a genetic history from the family, abnormalities of the blood vessels, or blood viscosity disorders can also cause a person to have a stroke.

Sena noted that many studies have shown that a family history does indeed increase the risk of stroke. In fact, literature suggests that up to 20 percent of patients who experience a stroke have a family history of the condition.

Sena also highlighted that over time, stroke cases are increasingly emerging, likely influenced by rising public awareness of health and technological developments. “Indeed, stroke is becoming a challenge. I still remember when perhaps 20 years ago the motto was ‘one in six’ will experience a stroke. But now it can even be ‘one in four’, meaning it is increasingly common,” he added.

Changes in lifestyle, Sena continued, are a likely cause of the increase in stroke patients. This is because, over time, there have been many changes, including dietary patterns shifting from natural food to ultra-processed food. Furthermore, technological advancements that help people have led to reduced physical movement. These changes in habits increase the risk of vascular diseases, including stroke. “But because of how people rarely exercise, smoke, and consume unhealthy foods, that is what makes them at risk. And we also cannot deny the stressor experienced with the advancement of social media in today’s era,” he said.