Quick Tips for Preventing Stroke |
In many cases, a stroke can be predicted – and prevented. The choices you make every day can decrease or increase your risk.
You can greatly reduce your risk of a stroke by taking preventive actions now!
- Know your blood pressure. Have it checked at least annually. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control.
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (more than two million Americans have this problem).
- If you smoke, quit.
- If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
- Find out if you have high cholesterol. And if you do, work on lowering it.
- If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
- Include exercise in your daily activities.
- Eat a lower sodium and low-fat diet.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Consult with your doctor to see if you have circulation problems that might increase your stroke risk.
- If you're taking estrogen plus progestin HRT (hormone replacement therapy), talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives.
- If you use illegal drugs, stop.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Learn the signs of stroke (see below). Then, if you experience any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you've already had a stroke, talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits of aspirin to prevent future strokes.
| Common Signs of Stroke |
The American Stroke Association identifies these common signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you see a person with even one of these signs, the person could be having a stroke. Sometimes the signs can start, and then stop shortly thereafter. Still call 9-1-1 right away. |
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Prevention is the key to alleviating the enormous human burden of stroke. |
Sources:
- 1. Risk factors for stroke. American Heart Association.
- 2. Know the warning signs of stroke. American Stroke Association.
- 3. NHLBI stops trial of estrogen plus progestin due to increased breast cancer risk, lack of overall benefit. National Institutes of Health.
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| Written by: Don Hall, DrPH, CHES |
| Date Published: February 05,2001
Date Reviewed: July 01,2008 |
| Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.
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