How Best to Avoid Having a Stroke

Eighty per cent of strokes can be prevented by being aware of controllable risks. A stroke occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails and cells die as a result of lack of oxygen. Controlling risks can help prevent this.

Strokes are caused by either a blockage of blood flow or by bleeding into the brain. The following are things that can be done to help prevent having a stroke:

- Keep high blood pressure under control as it can make you susceptible to developing blood clots. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can be a precursor for a stroke. It should be checked regularly by your family doctor and if it is higher than it should be there are things that can be done to control it. You can change your diet by eating healthy foods and by exercising. Exercise will make the heart stronger thereby requiring less effort for it to pump blood through the body. It is also important to avoid excessive sodium as it can contribute to high blood pressure. In some cases this may not be enough and medication may be necessary to keep it under control.

- Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke by five hundred per cent. It is an abnormal heartbeat and can cause blood to pool in the heart. Atrial fibrillation can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. Most times, as in my mother's case, medication is required to control it and constant attention and awareness of it is often required.

- Smoking is something every person has control over and it is wise to avoid as it doubles the risk of stroke. Smoking clogs the arteries, raises the blood pressure, damages blood vessels while narrowing them and causes the heart to work harder. Nicotine and carbon monoxide damage the cardiovascular system which can increase the risk of stroke.

- Over consumption of alcohol has been linked to stroke risk. It has been recommended during various studies than no more than two drinks are advisable for males and one drink for females should be consumed and less is better.

- High cholesterol should be checked regularly also by your family doctor. It can clog the arteries and puts those with it at a higher risk for strokes. High cholesterol can be regulated by diet and exercise but when this doesn't work, medication may be required.

- Diabetes can create a risk for getting a stroke. Diabetes II can sometimes by controlled by diet and exercise but in any case, it is something that should be taken care of and monitored by a family physician.

- Obesity can create a risk of stroke also. However, it can be controlled with a proper diet of fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts and foods low in calories. Regular exercise is also important; at least five times a week is suggested. It doesn't have to be strenuous. Walking and swimming are an excellent way to stay in shape and help your heart to stay healthy.

- Circulation problems can also lead to blocked arteries and can cause a stroke. Medication may be required to control this problem. It will be necessary to follow the advice of your doctor.

- Transient Tschemic Attack (TIA's) should be treated. They are mini strokes lasting usually only a short period of time. It is important that they be treated as they can lead to more serious strokes. My suffered suffered from these and was prescribed medication by her family doctor. She had them for years but because she took medication for them, she fortunately never did have a more serious type of stroke.

Having a risk factor for stroke doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a stroke. My mother has been proof of this. But it does mean that a particular effort should be made to control the controllable risk factors.