Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable. The National Stroke Association's (NSA) stroke prevention guidelines will help you learn how you may be able to lower your risk for a first stroke. Ask your doctor for advice on how to best use these guidelines.
- Know your blood pressure
Have it checked at least annually. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of stroke.
If the higher number (your systolic blood pressure) is consistently above 120 or if the lower number (your diastolic blood pressure) is consistently over 80, talk to your doctor.
If your doctor decides that you have high blood pressure, he may recommend some changes in your diet, regular exercise or medicine.
Blood pressure drugs have improved. Once you and your doctor find the right medicine for you, it will almost never cause side effects or interfere with your quality of life. It is important that blood pressure medication be taken daily and blood sugar levels are controlled every day.
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that changes how your heart works and allows blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood, which is not moving through your body, tends to clot.
The beating of your heart can move one of these blood clots into your blood stream and can cause a stroke. Your doctor may suspect AF if an irregular pulse is detected.
A diagnosis of AF is confirmed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can probably be done in your doctor's office.
If you have AF, your doctor may choose to lower your risk for stroke by prescribing medicines called blood thinners. Most patients with atrial fibrillation need to be on Warfarin. Aspirin can also be prescribed to some patients.
- If you smoke, stop
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will immediately begin to drop. Quitting smoking today can significantly reduce your risk of stroke from smoking.
Click here for a smoking cessation program which can help you quit.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
If you drink, limiting yourself to no more than two glasses a day is recommended.
Remember that alcohol is a drug, and it can interact with some drugs. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medicines you are taking could interact with alcohol.
- Find out if you have high cholesterol
Know your cholesterol number.
If your total cholesterol level (LDL and HDL) is over 200, talk to your doctor. You may be at increased risk for stroke. LDL, known as the “bad” cholesterol, is the form that builds up and causes plaque which may narrow arteries and limit or stop blood flow. High LDL can be inherited from your family members or be a result of your body chemistry. It can also be the result of a diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise or diabetes. HDL is the “good” cholesterol that sweeps the blood and removes plaque. Lowering your cholesterol (if elevated) may reduce your risk for stroke.
High cholesterol can be controlled in many individuals with diet and exercise.
Some individuals with high cholesterol may require medicine.
- If you are diabetic, consult with your doctor on medication and lifestyle changes
Follow your doctor’s advice carefully to control your diabetes. Often, diabetes may be controlled through careful attention to what you eat.
Work with your doctor and your dietitian to develop a healthy eating program that fits your lifestyle.
Your doctor can prescribe lifestyle changes and medicine that can help control your diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke; by controlling your diabetes, you may lower your risk for stroke.
- Exercise
Include exercise in your daily activities. A brisk walk for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways and may reduce your risk for stroke.
Try walking with a friend; this will make it more likely that you’ll make it a habit. If you don’t enjoy walking, choose another exercise or activity that you do enjoy, such as biking, swimming, golf, tennis, dance or aerobics.
Make time each day to take care of yourself by exercising.
- Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet
By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, most importantly, lower your risk for stroke.
Work toward a balanced diet each day with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains and a moderate amount of protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, tofu, and some beans). Adding fiber such as whole grain bread and cereal products; raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables; and dried beans to the diet can reduce cholesterol levels by 6 to 19 percent.
- Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems
Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems which increase your risk for stroke.
Strokes can be caused by problems with your heart, arteries and veins, or the blood which flows through them. Together, they are your circulation. Your doctor can check to see if you have problems in the circulation supplying blood to your brain.
Fatty deposits -- caused by a hardening or buildup of cholesterol plaque and other fatty deposits in the arteries called atherosclerosis or other diseases -- can block the arteries which carry blood from your heart to your brain. The arteries located on each side of your neck are of particular importance.
This kind of blockage, if left untreated, can cause stroke.
You can be tested for this problem by your doctor. Your doctor or health care professional can listen to your arteries just as he listens to your heart, or look at X-rays called ultrasound or MRI images.
If you have blood problems such as sickle cell disease, severe anemia (lower than normal number of red blood cells), or other diseases, work with your doctor to manage these problems. Left untreated, these can cause stroke.
- Know the symptoms of stroke and act FAST to get help!
If you have any acute stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately.
These include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may be having a stroke. Call 911 immediately.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act FAST and do this simple test:
Act F.A.S.T.
FACE: Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence such as “Dick and Jane went on a picnic.”
Are the words slurred? Can she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
Call 911, or go to the hospital immediately.