Strokes

Stroke Prevention

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 25 percent of those that recover from a first stroke will experience a second one within the next five years, but the risk of death and disability increases with each stroke.

According to the National Stroke Association, 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented. There are several approaches that can prevent strokes.

I. Reduce the risk factors.
II. Change lifestyle habits.

I. Reduce the risk factors.

Prevent and control the blood pressure. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors that lead to a stroke. A healthy blood pressure can be achieved with healthy lifestyle habits, diet, and medication.

II. Change Lifestyle Habits

Regular medical check-ups. When you suffer from a medical condition that can increases the risk of stroke (such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol), regular visits to the physician's office will help. Your doctor can closely monitor your condition and will help reduce or keep under control, the risk factors.

Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke because is leads to other medical problems such as heart disease, damage to the blood vessel walls, plaque build-up in the arteries, high blood pressure and heart rate. The stroke risk decreases dramatically within the next few years after stopping to smoke.

Limit the alcohol intake. Studies show that more than two standard drinks a day can increase the risk of stroke. A more moderate intake of alcohol is recommended for heavy drinkers.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can put lot of strain on the cardiovascular system leading to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and other heart problems. Obesity also increases the risk of heart problems and diabetes, both high risk factors for a stroke. A healthy weight can be achieved through a rigourous diet combined with physical exercise.

Healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of stroke. It is recommended to consume the following:
- Low fat foods: High intakes of foods that contain fat (especially saturated fat) and cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis (blood vessels narrow because of the plaque build-up).
- Low sodium diet: High amounts of sodium in the diet can be linked to hypertension.

Regular physical activity. While we age, the amount of fat that builds up in the body tends to increase. It is recommended to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Regular exercises reduce the fatty deposits within the body, and increases blood flow throughout the brain and body. Studies show that more physical exercises are linked to lower levels of atherosclerosis.

Reduce stress. Stress has been linked to stroke because it increases the blood pressure.

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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