MEDICAL INFORMATION
There are many positive steps that you can take now to reduce your risk of stroke. The first step is being screened by Baseline Medical. Most of the controllable risk factors for stroke relate to cardiovascular fitness. Because stroke is a form of cardiovascular disease, it makes sense that keeping your heart and blood vessels as healthy as possible will reduce your risk of stroke. The following are the most important measures you can take to control your stroke risk. These include changing risk factors by medical treatment as well as by positive lifestyle modifications.
Regular Medical Check-ups
Risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and elevated blood cholesterol must be monitored by your physician on a regular basis.
Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the single most important risk factor for stroke. Even mild hypertension, if not adequately treated, increases stroke risk. Elevated blood pressure promotes atherosclerosis and puts abnormal pressure on blood vessel walls, which can cause a rupture at a weak spot. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because there may be no obvious symptoms. In general, blood pressure should be below 120/80, and should be checked often.
Stop Smoking
Studies confirm that smokers have a higher risk of stroke, regardless of other any other factors. This risk begins to decline significantly within a few years of stopping smoking.
Treat Heart Disease
A variety of heart conditions, can cause stroke. If you are aware of irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation), or have suffered a heart attack, medical treatment of these disorders can reduce stroke risk.
Improve Diet
Consumption of foods high in fat, cholesterol and salt increases the risk for stroke. . Ask your doctor for more help in identifying dietary culprits and making appropriate substitutions.
Avoid excess fat: High intakes of fat, particularly saturated fat, and cholesterol may contribute to atherosclerosis, which is associated with stroke.
Avoid excess sodium: Excess sodium in the diet is linked to hypertension.. Watch for “hidden” salt in most processed and canned foods.
Limit alcohol intake: Individuals who drink alcoholic beverages (more than two drinks per day) have an increased risk of stroke. This risk increases further for heavy drinkers, regardless of age or other health concerns.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping your weight to recommended levels for your height and ( body type) build is an important preventive measure. Being overweight strains the heart and blood vessels and is associated with high blood pressure. Obesity also predisposes a person to heart disease and diabetes, both of which increase the risk for stroke.
Exercise Regularly
The percentage of fat in our bodies tends to increase with age. Regular exercise helps keep your BMI ( body mass index) within acceptable levels. Exercise has been linked to lower levels of atherosclerosis. If you have not exercised regularly and would like to start an exercise program, or if you have medical problems or family history of serious disease, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.
Treat Diabetes
The association between diabetes and increased stroke risk seems to be related to the circulatory problems caused by diabetes. Good control of diabetes appears to reduce the cardiovascular complications of the disease.
Reduce Stress
Because stress may increase blood pressure, it is linked indirectly to stroke risk. A one-time stressful event rarely causes a stroke, but long-term unresolved stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
Use of Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, especially those with high estrogen content, appear to increase the risk of blood clots, including clots that cause stroke, especially in women over age 30. Consult your physician to discuss risk factors.
Risk Factors That Cannot be Changed
Age
The chance of having a stroke increases with age. Two-thirds of strokes occur in persons over the age of 65.
Gender
For reasons that are not yet clear, stroke is 25 percent more common in men than in women.
Race
The incidence of stroke varies among races for reasons that are probably related to genetic factors. Social factors, such as lifestyle and environment, can also play a part. African-Americans have four times higher incidence of hypertension than Caucasians, and also a higher rate of stroke. Furthermore, they are more likely to suffer strokes at an earlier age.
Family or Individual History
A history of cerebrovascular disease in a family appears to be a contributing factor to stroke.