RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE
Many factors increase the risk for stroke. Some factors can be controlled, while others cannot
- Strokes are four to six times more likely in people with high blood pressure.
- People with high cholesterol are at double the risk of having a stroke.
- Strokes are six times more likely to occur in people with heart disease.
- Excess weight can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, which can lead to a stroke.
- Heavy drinking increases the risk for stroke.
- Smokers have double the risk for stroke as nonsmokers.
STROKE PREVENTION
Healthy diet, exercise, controlling blood pressure and not smoking are cornerstones of stroke prevention
- Control your blood pressure.
- Find out if you have heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
- Don’t smoke.
- Find out if you have a diseased carotid artery
- Lower your cholesterol.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Control your weight.
- If you have diabetes, manage the disease.
