Many factors increase stroke risk. While some factors cannot be changed in at-risk populations, many can be greatly lowered, thus reducing stroke risk by up to 80%!
Some risk factors for stroke cannot be controlled, including:
- Age (> age 55)
- Gender (men are more prone to stroke, but women die more often)
- Family history of stroke or TIA
- Race (African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders are at greater risk than Caucasians)
- Previous Stroke or TIA
The best defense against stroke for people in the above risk categories is eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and ensuring that lifestyle risks (at right) are minimized.
Additional risk factors (that can be controlled by having a healthy lifestyle) include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol (>200mg/dL combined HDL/LDL)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptive use
- Alcohol use (> 2 drinks/day)
- Obesity
Find out how to lower your stroke risk with healthy lifestyle tips below.
If you have high blood pressure, consider discussing blood pressure lowering medication with your doctor. In addition, you can lower your stress levels through low to moderate impact exercise (check with your doctor to assess your fitness level first) and through fun activities such as playing with your kids. Finally, eating a diet low in sodium can help lower your blood pressure.
If your cholesterol is high, there are cholesterol reducing medications your doctor can prescribe for you. You will also want to eat a diet low in fat - especially trans fat which is the fat that builds up and blocks arterial blood flow.
If you smoke or use tobacco, consider finding support to stop tobacco use in the form of treatment, counseling and/or remedies such as patches or gum.
If you are diabetic, discuss the many treatment options with your doctor and be sure to monitor your blood sugar. Engage in a light aerobic exercise program at the discretion of your physician.
If you use oral contraceptives, consider discussing alternatives with your doctor. If you are not currently sexually active and have no upcoming plans to be active, consider quitting oral contraceptive use at the discretion of your doctor.
If you drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day, consider reducing or quitting alcohol intake and finding support if this is a difficult task to manage on your own.
If you are obese, discuss how to manage your weight with your doctor. Begin eating a low fat (especially trans fat) diet and start exercising daily by following a sensible plan that your doctor recommends.
In summary, there are many ways to lower your risk factor for stroke starting today! Taking time to assess your health and make needed changes can save your life, so please pay attention to the risk factors above and take great care of yourself so we can lower stroke risk for everyone.
Sources: National Stroke Association & American Stroke Association
 |
