|  | Conditions Treatments | Stroke

Strategies to Prevent Stroke

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) cites strokes as the most common cause of disability in adults, with more than 700,000 Americans suffering a stroke each year. Recommendations from the medical community for preventing a stroke aren't complex. However, they do focus on lifestyle changes that for some people may include dropping longtime habits.

  1. Monitor Blood Pressure

    • Take steps to reduce risks associated with high blood pressure. NINDS lists high blood pressure among the top health problems that increase the potential for having a stroke. Recommendations for reducing blood pressure include eating fruits and vegetables, cutting down on salt intake and exercising at least 30 minutes several times per week.

    Quit Smoking

    • Kick the habit if you're a smoker. According to NINDS, blockages due to the buildup of fatty substances in the main artery of the neck have been linked to cigarette smoking. That artery supplies blood to the brain, and NINDS cites the blockage of it as the leading cause of strokes in the US. The nicotine in cigarettes also is said to raise blood pressure.

    Control Diabetes

    • The National Stroke Association notes that diabetics have an increased risk of suffering a stroke. Therefore, the association recommends working with a doctor and a dietitian to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to keep diabetes under control. As with smoking, diabetes can have damaging effects on blood vessels in the brain and throughout the body.

    Lower High Cholesterol

    • The American Academy of Family Physicians website notes that high cholesterol levels also can increase the risk of having a stroke. In some cases, medications known as statins may be prescribed by physicians if exercise and a healthy diet don't reduce patients' cholesterol levels.

    Understand Statin Use

    • The Food and Drug Administration originally approved statins for patients with high cholesterol who had already suffered a stroke or heart attack. However, some researchers are disputing the increased use of statins to head off a first stroke or heart attack. For example, in a June, 2010 critique of statins published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" the motivation of drug companies are even questioned as sales of the medication increases.

Stroke - Related Articles