Preventing Recurrent Stroke & Informtion About Risk Factors
Individuals of all age, race and gender are susceptible to stroke. However, the odds of an individual having a stroke or recurrent stroke increase if that individual has certain risk factors for stroke, or criteria that commonly cause stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from suffering a stroke is to understand the risk factors for stroke that add to your personal risk and how to manage them.
Individuals who have suffered a stroke are at greater risk of suffering a recurrent stroke. The good news for stroke sufferers is that there are numerous steps that can be taken to prevent a recurrent stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, approximately 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year and about 185,000 of those strokes are recurrent strokes. Within 5 years of a first stroke, a survivor's risk for another stroke can increase more than 40 percent. At least 25 to 35 percent of individuals who have a stroke each year will have another stroke in their lifetime.
This article will provide tips for managing and preventing recurrent strokes including quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, managing cholesterol, keeping diabetes under control, managing atrial fibrillation, eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and controlling alcohol use.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking doubles the risk of a stroke survivor having a recurrent stroke. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the chances a stroke survivor will suffer a recurrent stroke.
Managing High Blood Pressure
Managing high blood pressure is widely considered to be the most important risk factor for stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, individuals with high blood pressure have a risk of stroke that is more than 4 to 6 times greater than individuals who consistently have an optimal blood pressure reading of 120/80.
Managing High Cholesterol
Cholesterol and plaque can build up in the arteries blocking normal blood flow to the brain, which increase the risk of heart disease and can cause a stroke.
Keeping Diabetes Under Control
Individuals with diabetes are almost 4 times as likely to suffer a stroke as an individual who does not suffer from diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are at a much greater risk for stroke and must actively monitor their diabetes in order to reduce this risk.
Manage Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat. AF increases an individual's risk up to 5 times. It is extremely important for individuals with AF to work with their doctors to monitor and control it.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a diet low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats as well as calories helps manage both cholesterol levels in the blood and obesity, which both reduce risk for stroke.
Increasing Physical Activity
A recent study showed that individuals who exercise regularly, five or more times per week, are less likely to suffer a recurrent stroke.
Controlling Alcohol Use
Studies have shown that drinking more than 2 drinks per day can increase stroke up to 50 percent. However, other studies have indicated that an alcoholic drink a day can lower an individual's risk for stroke.
The most important step for controlling risk for recurrent stroke is consulting a doctor and following their advice. It is important to discuss the risk factors discussed above to determine personal risk and develop a personal plan.
About the Author:
Ed Koeneman is COO and co-founder of Kinetic Muscles (KMI). KMI is a leading provider of products for stroke recovery. For more information about The Hand Mentor(TM), The Foot Mentor (TM) or spreventing recurrent stroke, visit our website.
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