Changes to Make to Prevent a Stroke
Old age and a family history of strokes make a person more susceptible to strokes.
A stroke is a condition that can result in disability, lasting brain damage, and even death. A stroke commonly occurs due to a blocked or ruptured artery or bleeding in the brain. Insufficient blood and oxygen supply kills or damages the brain cells. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability and death in adults in the United States.
Old age and a family history of strokes make a person more susceptible to strokes. While these factors are beyond a person’s control, many other steps can help prevent this life-threatening condition. Here are a few lifestyle changes individuals can make to alleviate their risk of suffering from a stroke:
Keep the blood pressure under control
High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading reason behind stroke in many people. Unmanaged blood pressure makes a person four to six times more likely to have a stroke. Monitor the blood pressure regularly, and if it is high, take medication and make some lifestyle changes as suggested by the healthcare provider to control blood pressure. A person should aim at keeping the blood pressure within the healthy range.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases the stroke risk as it is linked to various other conditions and diseases that make a person more likely to have a stroke. Monitor the calorie intake and exercise regularly to keep a healthy weight. Eating healthy and losing extra pounds can lower the risk of stroke. Consult a doctor to determine the healthy weight range based on the body mass index.
Manage blood sugar
Diabetes or high blood sugar is a major risk factor for stroke. It is also linked to obesity, high BP, and high blood cholesterol, increasing stroke risk. High blood sugar can result in clots or fatty deposits in the blood vessels when not managed. It contracts blood vessels in the brain and can lead to a cut-off in the blood supply. People with diabetes should routinely check their blood sugar levels, take prescribed medicines, and make suitable lifestyle changes to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Ensure regular physical activity
Exercise has an excellent impact on controlling the leading risk factors for stroke. Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels and is essential to maintaining a healthy weight. To prevent stroke, include moderate-intensity exercises or physical activities like walking, aerobics, and using stairs instead of lifts.
Quit smoking and limit the alcohol intake
Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco doubles the stroke risk as it thickens the blood and accelerates plaque build-up in the arteries. Quit smoking with the help of available support to start enjoying the benefits right away. Those who consume alcohol should consider their drinking habits. Too much alcohol regularly raises blood pressure and triglycerides. People should stop alcohol consumption or drink in moderation (one glass per day) to reduce the risk of stroke.
Treat heart diseases
Heart conditions like atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) or coronary heart disease can cause clots in the heart that can travel to the brain, resulting in stroke. People with any underlying heart condition should take care of it with a doctor’s assistance to help prevent stroke.
Those with an increased risk of stroke should work with a local healthcare provider to treat or prevent conditions that can lead to stroke.
