Take Stroke Risk Factors to Heart
Prevent Strokes Today, Live Your Best Tomorrow
In the U.S. over half a million people experience their first stroke each year, and up to 80% of strokes may be preventable according to the American Stroke Association. During Stroke Awareness Month this year, make sure you know the daily habits and steps to prevent a stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.
There are two kinds of stroke. The ischemic stroke, the more common of the two, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, happens when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. “Mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
Identifying and managing risk
The new primary prevention of stroke from the American Stroke Association guidelines urges health care professionals to screen people for stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar and obesity.
Unidentified or unmanaged cardiovascular disease risk factors are known to cause damage to arteries, the brain and the heart years before cardiovascular disease and stroke occur. For patients, stroke prevention begins by building a relationship with a primary care physician and scheduling regular visits.
During appointments, primary care physicians can help identify modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, elevated cholesterol and elevated blood sugar, with physical exams and blood tests.
If screenings reveal that you or your loved one has concerning risk factors, your physician can help you come up with a plan to manage these conditions effectively, focusing on healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes. For some patients, medications may also be necessary.
Life’s Essential 8: How are you doing?
The most common, treatable lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce stroke risk are detailed in the Association’s Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics. They include:
- healthy nutrition
- regular physical activity
- tobacco avoidance
- healthy sleep
- healthy weight
- controlled cholesterol
- blood pressure management
- blood sugar management.
Although this list may sound like the typical, “eat right and exercise,” learning more about each category may surprise you. For example, did you know that Mediterranean dietary patterns are not just suggested for those with increased risk? It is also suggested for any adult with no prior cardiovascular disease.
Or what does it mean to “exercise regularly?” If screened, would your daily life patterns be considered sedentary? For adults, it is recommended that they get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. In this area, how would you measure up?
According to recent polls, only 26% of men and 19% of women in the U.S. are meeting these standards, and yet physical activity can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, endothelial function and weight.
Take Stroke Awareness Month seriously this year
Whether you are at a higher risk of stroke or it has been a while since you went to the doctor, take this month as your call to action. Stroke prevention – including brain and cardiovascular health – begins when you know your risk. Make an appointment with a Harbin Clinic primary care physician today.
