Lower Your Risk for Stroke
--Reduce salt intake. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke. Some people have higher blood pressure because their body is sensitive to salt, or sodium. If your body is sensitive to sodium, it can cause you to hold on to excess water which leads to a higher blood pressure. To lower your blood pressure, the most important thing you can do is reduce your salt intake.
-- Stop smoking. Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, it is bad for your brain, too. A smoker is at twice the risk of having a stroke because smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up the clogging of arteries.
-- Exercise. If you are obese or overweight, your risk factors for many health problems increase and so does your risk for a stroke. Extra weight puts pressure on your organs and can cause added strain on your circulatory system. Exercise is a good way to lose extra pounds and improve health.
The National Stroke Association's "Stroke Prevention Guidelines" advise patients to:
--Reduce salt intake. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke. Some people have higher blood pressure because their body is sensitive to salt, or sodium. If your body is sensitive to sodium, it can cause you to hold on to excess water which leads to a higher blood pressure. To lower your blood pressure, the most important thing you can do is reduce your salt intake.
-- Stop smoking. Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, it is bad for your brain, too. A smoker is at twice the risk of having a stroke because smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up the clogging of arteries.
-- Exercise. If you are obese or overweight, your risk factors for many health problems increase and so does your risk for a stroke. Extra weight puts pressure on your organs and can cause added strain on your circulatory system. Exercise is a good way to lose extra pounds and improve health.
The National Stroke Association's "Stroke Prevention Guidelines" advise patients to:
- Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke
- If you smoke, stop
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
- Find out if you have high cholesterol
- If you have diabetes, take measures to control the condition
- Include exercise in your daily routine
- Eat a low-salt diet
- Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke and
- If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.
Note: High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.
