There are a number of things that people can do to reduce the risk of having a stroke:
- Control high blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure under control is the most important thing that you can do to reduce the risk of stroke. Reducing
blood pressure after a stroke also reduces the risk of further strokes or transient ischaemic attacks. Blood pressure may be controlled by maintaining a
healthy weight, managing stress, limiting sodium and alcohol intake and exercising. Your gp may also prescribe tablets to help with keeping your blood
pressure in check.
- Don't smoke. Stopping smoking reduces your risk of stroke. Several years after stopping, your risk of stroke will be the same as a non-smoker's.
- Reduce cholesterol and saturated fat intake. Eating less cholesterol and saturated fat will reduce the fatty deposits in your arteries. If you have
difficulty controlling your cholesterol levels via diet then your gp may be able to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight contributes to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Weight loss of 10 pounds may lower your
blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is a relatively simple way of lowering blood pressure. Aerobic exercise is
particularly useful in improving the health of your blood vessels and heart. Exercise also helps you to lose weight and reduce stress. The Mayo Clinic
recommends that you gradually work up to 30 minutes of activity (cycling, jogging, swimming, walking) on most, if not all, days of the week.
- Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood's tendency to clot which may raise your risk of ischaemic stroke. It can also create temporary
"spikes" in blood pressure which is a risk factor for brain haemorhrrage. The Mayo clinic recommends simplifying your life, exercising and using
relaxation techniques as ways of reducing your stress.
- Follow a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods will reduce your risk of stroke.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption increase your risk of high blood pressure which in turn increases
your risk of stroke. Drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol can however decrease the tendency of your blood to clot.
