Important tips to prevent stroke
Cardiovascular | October 24, 2009 at 10:01 pm | Leave a ReplyAs World Stroke Day approaches on October 29, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is getting the word out about important tips to prevent stroke. Minimizing your chances of stroke is important to prevent long term disability and decreased quality of life. The ESC emphasizes that the same lifestyle factors that cause heart disease can also lead to stroke. Lifestyle choices and modifications that anyone can accomplish with the right knowledge can prevent stroke.
To prevent stroke, it is important to stop smoking, remain or begin a regimen of daily physical activity, and eat a healthy diet that minimizes saturated fats, and vegetable oils. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes and lean meats can prevent high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure that lead to heart disease and stroke.
Speaking on behalf of the ESC, Professor Lars Rydén, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm says, “Stroke is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, so by identifying and modifying risk factors there are opportunities to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of this devastating condition. For example, there is much more to be done in lowering blood pressure, particularly in elderly people with high systolic measurements, and in ensuring that those at risk of thromboembolic stroke as a result of atrial fibrillation receive effective prophylactic therapy.”Atrial fibrillation that can also lead to stroke requires use of blood thinners to prevent blood clots from forming. The condition causes the top part of the heart to beat irregularly. When that happens, blood clots can form in the atria of the heart (upper chambers) and travel to the brain. A typical stroke happens when blood flow in the vessels that supply the brain become blocked, and the brain becomes oxygen starved, known as ischemic stroke. Many patients fail to comply with taking medications, putting them at risk stroke.
Preventing stroke is possible by making lifestyle choices that lead to overall good health. A study of Japanese women showed that vigorous walking could reduce the risk of stroke by twenty to twenty nine percent among 73000 women studied who were most active. A study of active men and women in Finland also showed that leisure vigorous activity can prevent stroke.
Additionally, smoking cessation can prevent stroke, and is found to be doubled among tobacco users. Individuals with atrial fibrillation have five times the risk of stroke, making it important to follow medication recommendations to prevent blood clots.
According to the World Stroke Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death, following heart disease. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, making it important to maintain regular checkups and follow strict dietary guidelines to limit salt intake, remain active to keep blood vessels healthy and relaxed, and take prescribed medications for hypertension. Taking blood pressure medicine as prescribed can also reduce the risk of bleeding in the blood vessels in the brain, known as hemorrhagic stroke that accounts for fifteen percent of cases.
As World Stroke Day Approaches, take action to prevent stroke. Educate your loved ones. Focus on smoking cessation, consuming a healthy diet, regular exercise, and taking steps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Maintain a healthy weight. If your doctor has prescribed medication to treat high blood pressure, make certain to take it as directed to prevent stroke.
Source: European Society of Cardiology Press Release
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