Stroke Prevention
Diabetes and high blood pressure - Having diabetes as well as high blood pressure dramatically increases the risk for having a silent stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. This, in turn, can increase the risk for having a regular stroke. People with high blood pressure and diabetes need to control these chronic conditions to reduce their future stroke risk. To see a list of primary care providers who can help you manage these conditions, click here.
How do you reduce blood pressure?
High blood pressure can be checked, lowered and controlled. Whether your blood pressure is high or normal you should:
- Eat a healthy diet, including reducing salt intake.
- Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress.
- Avoid tobacco smoke.
- Take your medication as prescribed.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
Diet – Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels. Those high in sodium (salt) can increase blood pressure, and those with high calories can lead to obesity. A diet containing five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce the risk of stroke. The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations outline a healthy diet.
Smoking boosts stroke risk - Men who smoke increase their risk for bleeding stroke every time they light up, says the American Stroke Association. An 18-year study of more than 20,000 men found that those who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes a day double their stroke risk compared with people who have never smoked. The risk of stroke more than doubles for African Americans compared to their nonsmoking peers, according to a new study.
Stress and stroke risk - People who say they are highly stressed have double the risk for fatal stroke as people who say they are stress-free, according to the American Stroke Association. Researchers believe this may be the case because stressed people tend to have more cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, higher alcohol consumption and high blood pressure.
Resources
If you think you or a loved one may be having a stroke, dial 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
For more information about stroke care at PBRMC, please contact the stroke coordinator at (573) 776-9798, extension 4083.