High Blood Pressure: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the leading cause of stroke and the most controllable risk factor. This can be modified with diet, lifestyle changes and medication from your physician. Additionally, it is important to monitor blood pressure at home.
Cardiovascular disease (including Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)): The carotid arteries provide blood supply to the brain while peripheral arteries supply the arms and legs. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, making them more susceptible to a blood clot. While cardiovascular disease increases your risk of stroke, the risk can be reduced by addressing behavioral factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. We speak more of these factors below.
Smoking Cigarettes & Vaping: Nicotine and carbon monoxide intake from smoking can increase your risk for a stroke and impair your recovery from a stroke. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation to decrease your risk for a stroke.
Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk for stroke. On the other hand, diets high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol increase your blood cholesterol levels. A diet high in sodium increases blood pressure. It’s important to keep track of the food that you intake to make sure you are getting the proper levels for a healthy lifestyle. Speak with a licensed dietician to make sure you are optimizing your diet to meet your health goals.
Obesity: Obesity is linked with an increased risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is part of lifestyle changes to manage risk factors.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Aim for 150 minutes of activity per week. Get up and move!
Alcohol Abuse: Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for non-pregnant women.
High Cholesterol: Buildups in cholesterol can cause narrowing and blockages in arteries, which may lead to stroke. Regularly check your cholesterol levels to ensure they are at safe levels.
Diabetes: It is important to control your blood sugar if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Even though diabetes is treatable, the presence of the disease increases the risk for a stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib, is an abnormal rhythm of your heart. It can cause a clot to form in the heart that can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This can be managed with medication from your physician.
Sleep Habits: Well-rested people tend to have a lower risk for heart disease and stroke. Try to adopt healthy sleep habits. If you are having trouble sleeping, consult with your doctor for ways to improve your sleep. In some cases, a sleep study may reveal any underlying factors that may be affecting your sleep.
Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia): A genetic disorder where red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. They tend to stick to the walls of blood vessels and can cause a clot to form. Persons with sickle cell disease can benefit from various types of cerebral vascular imaging to identify those at high risk. This, paired with transfusion therapy, can decrease the risk of stroke.
