How To Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke|eMedEvents

 

Stroke is the primary cause of death and long-term disability in adults worldwide. It occurs as a result of the brain being deprived of oxygen and nutrients due to an interruption in blood flow—such as a blood vessel rupture or clot. When this happens, brain cells can be damaged or even killed, leading to permanent brain damage.

 

Main Causes

Hypertension

Smoking (or vaping) nicotine products

Drinking alcohol in excess

Abusing drugs, such as cocaine or heroin

High cholesterol

Physical inactivity

Obesity

Pre-existing heart problems, including: coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat (including atrial fibrillation), and/or heart valve issues

Diabetes

Previous history of stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or “mini-stroke”)

 

Signs and Symptoms

Numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg (usually affecting one side of the body)

Confusion, trouble speaking, and/or difficulty understanding speech

Vision problems in one or both eyes

Difficult walking, dizziness, loss of balance, and/or lack of coordination

Severe headache with no known cause

 

Tips for Minimizing your Stroke Risk

 

1. Monitor your blood pressure

Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke; it persistently strains the body’s arteries and makes them more likely to burst or clog due to deterioration. Hypertension can also cause a buildup of cholesterol and other lipids, which—in turn—can lead to the artery walls narrowing or the formation of a clot that may break off and enter the bloodstream.

Lifestyle changes (including the implementation of a healthy diet and regular exercise), taking hypertension medications as prescribed, and making an effort to reduce daily stress can all help lower your blood pressure.

 

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity and its complications, which include hypertension and diabetes, can increase your chances of suffering a stroke. However, when overweight, even losing 10 lbs can significantly reduce that risk.

 

3. Exercise regularly

30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 days a week, can reduce your stroke risk by over 25%. Along with preventing obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes (which all contribute to your risk of stroke), regular exercise strengthens your heart and blood flow while lowering plaque formation in your arteries. It can even help you stabilize your blood sugar levels.

 

4. Drink alcohol in moderation

Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day can elevate your blood pressure and lipid levels. Excessive, daily alcohol consumption significantly impacts your stroke risk, especially in the presence of other contributing factors such as obesity or a pre-existing heart problem.

 

5. Avoid nicotine products, including cigarettes

Nicotine consumption—whether direct or through exposure to secondhand smoke—causes your blood pressure to rise, with the smoke itself reducing how much oxygen your blood can carry to your brain.

Nicotine increases your stroke risk by:

Lowering your HDL (or “good”) cholesterol levels

Raising triglycerides

Thickening and narrowing blood vessels

Damaging the lining of your veins and arteries

Increasing the rate of plaque buildup

Counseling, nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum, and prescription drugs are all available to those who need help quitting. The CDC offers a free hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to provide additional resources and support.

 

6. If you have AF, take your medications as prescribed

Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the upper chambers of the heart, which results in the development of blood clots. It is possible for these clots to escape the heart and travel to the brain, where they are capable of obstructing blood flow and causing a stroke.

If you have atrial fibrillation, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning drugs to prevent clot formation along with medication to promote a regular heartbeat (though, in some cases, surgical intervention is required to address heartbeat irregularities).

 

7. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly

If you suffer from high blood sugar, your risk of suffering a stroke can be as much as 4 times higher. Diabetes, if not managed, can result in clot formation and/or fat deposits within the blood vessels connected to the neck and brain, which is a condition called atherosclerosis. These deposits can narrow vessel walls or even cause a blockage and therefore cut off blood flow to the brain.

For those with diabetes, it is crucial to monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis and visit your doctor periodically. If you have been prescribed blood sugar medications, be sure to take them as directed and do your best to stick to any nutrition plan your doctor has created for you.

 

When it comes to pre-existing conditions that increase your risk of stroke, effective management and appropriate lifestyle changes can make all the difference in stroke prevention.