Preventing Stroke And Understanding Risk Factors
Stroke Prevention
Anyone can have a stroke, but some people are at higher risk. Some of the factors that cause people to be at higher risk of stroke cannot be changed. However, other factors are linked to lifestyle choices and can be changed to reduce risk of stroke.
Inherent Risk Factors
Age: Older people are at increased risk for strokes
Gender: Each year, women have more strokes than men do, and stroke kills more women than men
Heredity: Anyone whose parents, grandparents, or siblings had strokes is more likely to have a stroke
Race: African-Americans have a greater risk than Caucasians of having strokes because of an increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
Prior Stroke: Someone who has had a stroke is at greater risk to have another
Actions that Limit Stroke Risk
- STOP smoking!
- Eat a healthy diet --> one that is low in sodium and fat
- Exercise adequately --> 30 minutes each day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Control of diabetes
- Control blood pressure
- Lower LDL cholesterol