Ways to Prevent a Stroke

According the American Stroke Association, 80% of strokes are preventable. Reducing your risk of stroke is key. Ahead, learn what your risk factors are and find out which ones you can control.

What's My Stroke Risk?

Everyone has risk factors for stroke. Some risk factors you can't control but there are many things you can do to lower your risk.

• Non-modifiable Risk Factors of Stroke
  • Age - people 55 and older are more likely to have a stroke
  • Race - African Americans have a 60% higher stroke risk than white people
  • Diabetes - having diabetes increases stroke risk
  • Previous TIA or Stroke - you're much more likely to have a stroke if you've had a stroke or TIA in the past
  • Family History - If someone in your family has had a stroke, your risk of stroke is higher
• Modifiable Risk Factors of Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • High red blood cell count
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Obesity
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Hight cholesterol

Learn your risk for stroke by reviewing the American Stroke Association’s Stroke Risk Scorecard. Share the results with your primary care provider.

Lifestyle Changes

Even if you have other risk factors, the good news is, there is a lot you can do to reduce your stroke risk.

Here are some lifestyles changes you can make, to help reduce your risk of stroke.

• Lose weight - Extra weight puts a strain on your whole circulatory system. Carrying extra weight, makes you more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. These increase your stroke risk.
• Eat healthy - Choosing healthy foods can reduce your blood pressure, control your weight, increase energy levels, and increase how well some medicines work.
• Quit smoking - Smoking thickens your blood and makes it more likely that a clot will form. It also increases plaque buildup in your arteries. If you smoke, your risk is twice the risk of a nonsmoker.
• Drink less alcohol - Many studies show a link between drinking alcohol and strokes. Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and the risk of stroke.
• Exercise - Exercise improves heart function and reduces cholesterol. It also lowers blood pressure and your resting heard rate - lowering your stroke risk. If you've had a stroke, exercise improves strength, balance, endurance, and long-term brain health.
• Reduce stress - Stress hormones increase blood pressure. When those hormones are around long-term, it can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. Stress hormones can also lead to diabetes, hardening of the arteries, and heart disease, all of which are stroke risk factors.