The top 10 ways to prevent stroke

(Editor’s note: This is the third and last article in a series about stroke published to mark National Stroke Awareness Month.)

Stroke affects blood flow to the brain, cutting off vital oxygen. In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, and the leading cause of adult disability. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.

The good news is stroke can be prevented. The National Stroke Association has posted the following top 10 stroke prevention guidelines:

1. Know your blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of stroke. Have your blood pressure checked regularly — at least annually. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control. You can check your blood pressure in your doctor’s office, at health fairs or the local pharmacy and supermarket. At the Lab, you can go to Health Services Department (Bldg. 663) or check in your work area for blood pressure machines.
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is an irregular heartbeat that changes how your heart works; it can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can form clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor can detect AF by carefully checking your pulse and doing an EKG.
3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will significantly decrease.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you don’t drink, don’t start. Having one drink each day may lower your risk for stroke (provided that there is no other medical reason you should avoid alcohol). However, more alcohol than this may increase your risk for stroke. Alcohol is harmful if taken in large doses. In addition, alcohol is a drug, so it can interact with other drugs you are taking.
5. Know your cholesterol number. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your risk for stroke. High cholesterol also can indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease, an important stroke risk factor. Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication.
6. Control your diabetes. If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke. Your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine that can help control your diabetes.
7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine. A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke.
8. Eat 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.
9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems. If so, work with your doctor to control them. Fatty deposits can block the arteries, which carry blood from your heart to your brain. Sickle cell disease, severe anemia or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.
10. If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. These include numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

For more information, go to the National Stroke Association Website.