Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Every year more than 750,000 Americans have a stroke. One third of these are under the age of 65. 160,000 people die from stroke each year.
Given these statistics, it is important to know what your risk factors are and what you can do to decrease your chances of having a stroke. Some risk factors can not be changed, but there are some changes you can make that will significantly reduce the chance of stroke.
Carotid Artery Disease- Commonly called CAD or atherosclerosis, fatty deposits or plaques in your carotid arteries (arteries in your neck) decreases or restricts blood flow to your brain. The artery loses its elasticity and hardens. The plaques are made of fatty tissue, cholesterol and calcium. Many times, a certain sound in your neck alerts the doctor that you may have CAD. When they put the stethoscope up to your neck, they are listening for this sound.
Atrial Fibrillation- Commonly called A-fib. Instead of the atrium (top chamber) of your heart beating like it is supposed to, it quivers. When this happens blood pools and can form clots. The clot can break off, enter your blood stream and lodge in an artery, causing a stroke.
Heart Disease- More than 2 heart attacks, congenital defects and heart valve disease can increase the risk of stroke.
TIA’s- TIA’s are warning signs of a stroke.
Blood Disorders- Blood disorders that result in an increase in red blood cells can increase your risk for stroke. Sickle cell anemia is also a risk factor.
Age- The older we get the more risk we have of having a stroke.
Sex- More females have strokes than males.
Race- More African Americans have strokes than any other race.
Family History- Strokes run in families. This may be due to many factors. High blood pressure and cholesterol run in families. Obesity runs in families but can also be because of a learned lifestyle. Many risk factors fall into this group. Is the cholesterol high because it runs in the family or because the family members have learned to eat high cholesterol foods?
Prior Stroke- Once you have a stroke the chances of having another increase.
There are some risk factors you can do something about. Changing your lifestyle can decrease the chances of stroke tremendously.
Smoking- Quitting today will rapidly cut your chances of having a stroke in half. Smoking narrows the blood vessels allowing fatty deposits and plaque to build up easier.
Obesity- Talk to your doctor about a good nutritional plan for permanent weight loss. Losing weight can decrease your chance of having a stroke.
Alcohol- Drinking too much alcohol is hard on every system in your body. Drinking one alcoholic beverage a day is not going to hurt you, but if you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, cutting back or quitting will reduce your chances of stroke.
Diabetes- Keeping your blood sugar under control is a major factor in stroke prevention. Work with your doctor to ensure that you are on the medication that you need. Eat nutritious meals. See a dietitian to help you choose the foods that are best to help control your blood sugar.
Sedentary Lifestyle- Exercising just 30 minutes a day will improve your cardiovascular system, hence decreasing your risk of stroke.
Sodium & Fat- Lowering cholesterol levels and sodium (salt) levels will help prevent high blood pressure. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the measurement of the amount of force on your blood vessels. It is called the “silent killer” because there are not usually symptoms of high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to stroke.