7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a Stroke
A stroke can occur at any time. It usually happens when the flow of blood to the brain gets cut off. Generally, clots in the blood vessels can block the flow of blood, leading to a lack of blood supply to the brain. This causes a stroke that can affect any part of the body.
Reducing Risk of a Stroke
Strokes most commonly affect the elderly. However, young people can also experience strokes. A stroke can be prevented, and doctors say that more than 75% of all occurrences could have easily been avoided.
It is possible to reduce the risk of a stroke with just a little care and attention. Here are seven ways to reduce the risk of getting a stroke:
1) Bring Down Blood-Pressure Levels
High blood pressure is one of the most significant contributing factors to a stroke. It increases the risk of a stroke four-fold. High blood pressure can cause a thickening of the walls of the artery, resulting in plaque formation. This can lead to a clot. Thus, regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is important. Diet change, lifestyle change, and medication can bring down high blood-pressure levels.
2) Cut Down Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels in the blood. It can also affect the heart by causing a clot, which travels to the brain, leading to a stroke. Reducing alcohol consumption to two drinks a day can help in reducing the risk of a stroke.
3) Stop Smoking
One of the factors responsible for a stroke is smoking. Even passive smoking can be harmful and can increase plaque formation and harm the lining of the blood vessels. One needs to put in effort to give up smoking in order to be healthier and reduce the risk of a stroke.
4) Be Physically Fit
Physical fitness is important not just for overall health but also for losing weight. Increased weight and obesity coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to many problems, including increased stroke risk. Losing weight is important, and exercising regularly even more so. Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can help in greatly reducing the risk of a stroke.
5) Improve Your Diet
It is important to eat healthy food and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. One should make sure to eat more fiber-rich foods and proteins. Fats, especially saturated fats found in junk food, must be strictly avoided. Processed food and salt consumption must also be reduced.
6) Take Aspirin Regularly (If Advised)
Those facing the risk of a stroke are advised to take an aspirin a day to make their blood thinner. This can reduce the possibility of blood clots being formed. However, this must be done only if advised by a doctor.
7) Keep Blood Sugar Under Control
High blood-sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels. This can increase the chances of clots and a stroke. Medication and diet can help in reducing blood-sugar levels.
Contact Our Houston Office
If you’re interested in learning more about ways to reduce your risk of a stroke, multi-board-certified cardiologist Dr. Shehzad Sami is here to help. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today.