A friend left a message to Hua Zi, asking how to save oneself in case of acute cerebral infarction. I heard that folic acid supplementation can prevent cerebral infarction. How much should be supplemented every day? Hua Zi said that the “time window” for recanalization of blood vessels after cerebral infarction is only 6 hours. Self-rescue in the event of cerebral infarction is to go to the hospital for thrombolysis or thrombectomy in the shortest time to recanalize blood vessels.
The best way to deal with cerebral infarction is to prevent it from happening, but not only by supplementing folic acid, but also pay attention to atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation, these two diseases cause cerebral infarction main reason.
First, cerebral infarction is the “first killer”
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the main cause of death among Chinese residents, of which stroke occupies the first place, and cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) accounts for about 80% of all strokes. “First Killer”.
In the event of cerebral infarction, complete ischemia for 4 to 6 minutes will cause the death of nerve cells in the brain. And once nerve cells die, there is no way to regenerate them with current medical technology.
Therefore, cerebral infarction not only has a high fatality rate, but also has a high disability rate. 60% to 70% of patients with cerebral infarction will have sequelae, resulting in physical movement, language, recognition There is a problem with functions such as knowledge.
Second, can folic acid supplementation prevent cerebral infarction
Folic acid does not directly prevent cerebral infarction, but Folic acid can lower blood homocysteine levels. Modern medicine believes that elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cerebral infarction, so taking folic acid to lower its level can prevent cerebral infarction.
However, this theory has been debated in the medical community, with studies suggesting that even lowering homocysteine levels does not reduce the risk of cerebral infarction. It is considered that the increase of homocysteine is the “effect” after the increased risk of cerebral infarction, rather than the “cause” of inducing cerebral infarction.
For example, the risk of cerebral infarction is like boiling a pot of water. When the water boils, water vapor will come out. This water vapor is homocysteine. amino acid. Taking folic acid tablets is like adding a cooling device to the kettle to eliminate the steam, but the water in the kettle is still boiling, and the risk of cerebral infarction has not been lifted.
The prevention of cerebral infarction is a comprehensive problem, which cannot be solved by controlling a single index. However, conventional folic acid supplementation has no obvious adverse reactions to the human body and can be taken. The usual dose for preventing cerebral infarction is 0.8mg per day. Folic acid has certain gastrointestinal irritant, so taking it after meals can reduce the irritation.
Third, two diseases should be paid attention to in the prevention of cerebral infarction
There are two main diseases that cause cerebral infarction, one is atherosclerosis and the other is atrial fibrillation.
Atherosclerosis is the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques in cerebral arteries caused by smoking, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, high blood sugar, etc. When the plaque ruptures, it will induce thrombosis. cause blockage of arteries in the brain.
On the basis of controlling risk factors, take statins to increase the stability of plaques and avoid rupture. For those with high risk, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel should be added to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
Atrial fibrillation is atrial fibrillation caused by various heart diseases that cannot be correctedFrequent pumping of blood can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atrial appendages, blocking the cerebral arteries. The primary disease needs to be treated and atrial fibrillation controlled by drugs, electrical stimulation, ablation, etc.. Uncontrolled atrial fibrillation requires warfarin, rivaroxaban and other anticoagulant factor drugs to prevent thrombosis.
Those with atherosclerosis or persistent atrial fibrillation should understand that there is no complete cure for these two diseases, and long-term regular medication is required to reduce the risk of cerebral infarction, as long as there are no serious adverse drug reactions or contraindications, and the drug cannot be stopped, most people need lifelong medication.
To sum up, the prevention of cerebral infarction requires comprehensive prevention on the basis of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and rational drug use. Folic acid alone cannot prevent cerebral infarction. Atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation are the main “culprits” of cerebral infarction, which need to be controlled with drugs under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any doubts about the medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. I am Huazi, a pharmacist. Welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.