Risk of Ictus and Arterial Tension: The Importance of Weight Control

 

Excellent question, since stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is the main cause of severe disability in adults and, fortunately, some of the cases are preventable if risk factors are controlled, with Arterial Hypertension (TA) being the main enemy.

 

Here we detail the critical connection between ictus risk, arterial tension, and the fundamental role of weight control.

 

 🤯 I. Ictus and Arterial Tension: The Cause-Effect

 

The ictus is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. The majority are ischemic (due to obstruction of an artery), and a minority are hemorrhagic (due to rupture of a vessel). High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor for both.

 

 The Risk of Constant Pressure: Arterial hypertension (AT) is an excessive and constant force against the walls of the arteries (both those that go to the heart and the brain). Over time, this pressure damages the arterial lining, promoting arteriosclerosis (hardening and accumulation of cholesterol plaque) and the narrowing of vessels.

 Obstruction (Ischemic Ictus): Damaged arteries are more prone to clots forming or plaque detaching and blocking a cerebral artery.

 Rupture (Hemorrhagic Ictus): Chronic high arterial pressure weakens the arterial walls, drastically increasing the risk that a vessel will rupture and cause a cerebral hemorrhage.

 

Control Target: The ideal BP should be below 140/90 mmHg. Above these figures, the risk of suffering a stroke increases significantly.

 

 ⚖️ II. Weight Control as an Antihypertensive Treatment

 

Excess weight, particularly abdominal (visceral) fat, is a direct precursor to Arterial Hypertension (TA) and, ultimately, the risk of stroke. Losing weight is a natural pharmacological treatment with multiple benefits.

 

 Mechanisms why obesity increases in blood pressure

1. Nerve Activation: Visceral fat increases the activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System (stress response), which acts as a heart accelerator and causes constriction of blood vessels.
2. Sodium Retention: The grease surrounding the kidneys can cause kidney compression, affecting the kidney's ability to excrete sodium. The body holds more salt and water, which increases blood volume and triggers pressure.
3. Insulin Resistance: Obesity creates a state of insulin resistance, which contributes to systemic inflammation, accelerating vascular damage and arteriosclerosis.

 

 Benefits of Reducing Weight

 Quantifiable reduction in blood pressure: Losing weight between 5% and 10% of total body weight can generate a reduction in blood pressure of approximately 5 to 10 mmHg. In many cases of overweight and obesity, this is enough to reduce the need for medication or even achieve hypertension relief.

 Improvement of Concomitant Factors: Weight loss simultaneously reduces cholesterol, improves glycemic control (preventing Type 2 Diabetes) and reduces chronic inflammatory status. By reducing these three factors, the risk of ictus is reduced exponentially.

 

 🏃 III. Comprehensive Prevention Strategies

 

To reduce the risk of stroke, weight control must be accompanied by the following habits:

 

 Prevention Habit Essential Details

 

 Weight Control Reduction of abdominal perimeter and BMI. Regular exercise is essential to achieve this. 

 Healthy Cardio Diet Follow the Mediterranean Diet: low consumption of salt (sodium), reduction of trans saturated fats and high consumption of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and blue fish (Omega-3). 

 Don't Smoking Tobacco narrows the arteries and raises the blood pressure. Quitting smoking has a greater protective effect than any medication. 

 Regular Exercise Perform at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) five days a week. 

 Periodic Control Regular medical check to monitor BP, blood glucose and cholesterol. 

 

Weight control and weight control are the best weapons you have to protect your brain.

 

Would you like more information about how BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) can complement these fitness goals and blood pressure control?

Risk of Ictus and Arterial Tension: The Importance of Weight Control