Stroke Risk Factors and Prevention

Almost one-third of all people who suffer from stroke are under the age of 65. Anyone, no matter what age, race or sex, can experience a stroke. However, stroke is much more likely to occur with age. After age 35, your risk of having a stroke doubles every 10 years. Five percent of the population older than 65 has had some form of stroke.

The death rate from stroke among African-Americans is almost twice that of white Americans. There is no clear explanation for this, but researchers are evaluating risk factors in minority groups to discover why. You can reduce your risk of stroke by doing the following.

There are some stroke risk factors you can change and other stroke risk factors that are hereditary. The following are risk factor guidelines to help prevent a stroke.

• Control High Blood Pressure – It is estimated that 70 percent of all strokes occur in people with high blood pressure (hypertension). Knowing your blood pressure level is key and should be checked annually. Work with your doctor to learn ways to decrease your blood pressure such as cutting back on salt, exercising regularly and losing weight. Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce blood pressure—if so, it is important to take them as directed.
• Atrial Fibrillation – Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that allows blood to collect in the chambers of the heart. The blood does not move and, therefore, tends to clot. This will cause a stroke if your heart moves a blood clot into your blood stream. Speak with you doctor about the symptoms of atrial fibrillation and, if detected, follow your doctor’s guidelines.
• Stop Smoking – Smoking actually has been known to double your risk of stroke. Reduced stroke risk is among the many health benefits of quitting smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to the build-up of fatty substances in the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain—blockage of this artery is the leading cause of stroke among Americans. Plus, substances in cigarette smoke such as nicotine and carbon monoxide increase blood pressure, make blood more likely to clot and reduce the amount of oxygen the blood can carry to the brain.
• Limit Alcohol Intake – If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day. More than two drinks per day is known to increase your risk of stroke by as much as three times.
• Control Cholesterol – Have your cholesterol tested if you haven’t recently done so. If it is high, follow your physician’s instructions for controlling your high cholesterol, which may be through diet, exercise or medication. A high fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can lower your cholesterol by 6 to 9 percent.
• Control Diabetes – Be tested for diabetes. Diabetes is a disorder affecting the body’s ability to process sugar. It also can cause blood vessel damage throughout the body, including the brain, and if blood sugar levels are high at the time of a stroke, then brain damage often is more severe. Keeping diabetes under control can help delay or prevent complications that increase stroke risk. Follow your doctor’s instructions for controlling the condition.
• Treat Heart Disease – Many common heart disorders, including valvular heart disease, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat and atherosclerosis, can contribute to your stroke risk. Your doctor will treat the heart disease and may prescribe medicine, often aspirin, to help prevent blood clot formation.
• Exercise More – It might feel difficult to get started, but for as little as 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your chances of having a stroke. A brisk walk, swimming, bicycling, dancing or aerobics all can improve your health.
• Consume Less Salt and Fat – Decreasing the amount of salt and fat in your diet lowers your blood pressure, thereby, reducing your chances of a stroke. Develop a healthy lifestyle now. Learn about a healthy diet and weight loss.
• Manage Circulation Problems – If you have circulation problems, manage them with your doctor’s instructions. Problems with the heart, arteries or veins can increase your stroke risk.
• Seek immediate treatment for transient ischemic attacks. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are caused by temporary interruptions to the blood supply of the brain. TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms, but last only a few minutes before disappearing completely. TIAs are a risk factor for stroke, so they should not be ignored.

 

Some patients may be treated with medication alone. Others may undergo a type of test called cerebral arteriography, which maps the blood supply to the brain so that doctors can see where the blockage is occurring. The test can provide important information on whether to treat TIAs or stroke with surgery to remove the blockage. One type of surgery for TIAs is called carotid endarterectomy in which doctors remove plaque from the carotid artery to improve blood supply to the brain.

There also are other less known risk factors in regards to lifestyle, which include

• Geographic Location – Strokes are more common in the southeastern United States.
• Socioeconomic Factors – Some evidence has revealed that strokes are more common among low-income people.
• Drug Abuse – Intravenous drug abuse and cocaine have both been known to increase your chances of a stroke.

 

Hereditary Risk Factors

 

Changing the previously mentioned lifestyle stroke risk factors can help you reduce your chances of having a stroke. However, the hereditary stroke risk factors cannot be controlled.

• Age – The chance of having a stroke more than doubles for each decade of life after age 55.
• Race – African Americans have a higher risk of death and disability from a stroke, partly because they have greater incidence of high blood pressure.
• Gender – There is a greater incidence of stroke among men than women. However, more women than men die from strokes – possibly influenced by giving birth and use of birth control pills. Women have several hidden risk factors.
• Diabetes Mellitus – Diabetes is a risk factor for stroke and, while treatable, the presence of diabetes still increases your risk.
• Heredity – Your chance of a stroke is increased if there is a stroke history in the family.

Lastly, if you previously had a stroke, your risk of having another one is greatly increased.

Understanding your stroke risk factors will help you reduce your chances of having one. Control your stroke risk factors now and there will be a decreased chance that you will have to watch for stroke warning signs later.

 

Read more about Stroke prevention for all ages.  

Talk to your doctor about your risk of stroke and how you can reduce it. Call 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) to make an appointment today!