Stroke Prevention: Reducing Your Risk
4/4/2025
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to potential brain damage, disability, or death. It is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. “The good news is that many strokes can be prevented through proactive measures,” mentions Dr. Jennifer Smith, board certified family medicine physician.
Understanding Risk Factors
Stroke risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable.
Non-modifiable factors include age, gender, ethnicity, and family history. Older adults, men, and individuals of African or Hispanic descent are at higher risk.
Modifiable factors are lifestyle and medical conditions that can be controlled or treated to lower stroke risk. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Key Strategies for Stroke Prevention
- Control Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring and management through lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, and medications if prescribed, can significantly reduce risk.
- Manage Diabetes and Cholesterol
- Keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels within a healthy range through diet, exercise, and medications as needed helps reduce stroke risk.
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve cardiovascular health. Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars is crucial.
- Stay Physically Active
- Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
- Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of clot formation. Limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels reduces stroke risk as well.
- Recognize and Treat Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
- AFib, an irregular heart rhythm, significantly increases the risk of stroke. Treatment may include medications or procedures to control heart rhythm and reduce clot formation.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Obesity is linked to conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which raise stroke risk. Losing even a small amount of weight can have significant health benefits.
- Routine Health Screenings
- Regular check-ups help detect and address risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol before they lead to a stroke.
Preventing a stroke requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and managing underlying health conditions. With the right interventions and regular medical care, it is possible to significantly reduce stroke risk and promote long-term health.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith, please call (817) 578-8910 or visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/JenniferSmithMD.
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