Preventing a Stroke
Covenant Health Roane suggests these steps to lower your risk of having a stroke and to improve your overall health and well-being.
Preventing a Stroke
There are tangible steps you can take to lower your risk of having a stroke. These steps can also improve your overall health and well-being. Read on to see how you can help protect yourself.
Curious about your current risk level for stroke?
Steps to Lower Your Stroke Risk
Medical Steps
- Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the single most important risk factor for stroke and heart disease. 120/80 or lower is optimal.
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation.
- If you have narrowed arteries, your doctor may suggest anti-clotting medications such as aspirin or a prescription drug to reduce the chance of clots. Surgical procedures, such as carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting, are sometimes used to widen narrowed vessels in the neck.
- If you have diabetes, take steps to control it. This disease can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Steps
- Eat plenty of low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
- If you drink alcohol, drink moderately.
- Don’t smoke. If you do, QUIT NOW!
- Find a healthy technique for dealing with stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Make time for regular recreation and relaxation!
Educational Steps
- Know the symptoms of a stroke.
- Share information about stroke symptoms and the urgency of treatment with loved ones.
