According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number four cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. As people get older, and start to experience firsthand how lives can change overnight due to a stroke, it can be easy to become discouraged and to forget one of the most important facts about this devastating illness: the vast majority of strokes are preventable through measures such as the following:
1. Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage arteries, putting people at higher risk for stroke. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, and smoking cessation are the first lines of defense when it comes to reducing blood pressure, although sometimes, medication is also necessary. According to the CDC, only half of the people with high blood pressure are effectively managing their condition, so this is often the best place to start.
2. Manage your cholesterol: When LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol is too high, fatty deposits called plaque collect on artery walls. This, at best, disrupts blood flow, and at worse, can directly lead to a stroke if a piece of plaque breaks off and travels to the brain. The same measures listed above for reducing blood pressure can also reduce LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol levels naturally rise with age, so these actions are especially important for older adults.
3. Pay attention to your symptoms: Always remember that some relatively minor symptoms can actually be warning signs of stroke. Headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision – even if they come and go – could signal decreased blood flow due to a buildup of plaque, eventually leading to a stroke or other health event. Never ignore these symptoms, and instead, proactively communicate them to your primary healthcare provider.
4. Talk with your doctor about risk factors: Some medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), or heart rhythm disorder, go hand in hand with stroke. Many of these can be treated, while other risk factors, such as family history, age, gender, or prior strokes can’t. It’s important to review your individual risk factors with your doctor and come up with an action plan. Don’t wait until a trip to the emergency room to talk with your doctor about stroke.
While implementing the tips above can go a long way toward reducing a person’s risk for stroke, sadly, some strokes can’t be prevented. Always remember B.E.F.A.S.T. – if your balance is off, if you’ve lost vision, or if you’re experiencing facial asymmetry, arm weakness, or slurred speech, it’s time to call 9-1-1. Millions of brain cells die each minute before treatment for a stroke, and the sooner you get to a hospital, the higher your chances of survival and recovery.
