Stroke: risk factors and prevention

According to the World Stroke Organization, millions of living people have experienced stroke, including men, women and even children. No one is immune to stroke, but many instances of it can be prevented. Prevention involves recognition of risk factors people can control and reducing the exposure to those factors.

Risk factors beyond people’s control:

• Age. Stroke is more common among people 65 and older. That includes both men and women.

• Family history. People could be at greater risk of stroke if they have an immediate family member who has had a stroke.

• Race.TheAmericanHeartAssociation(AHA)reportsthatAfrican Americans are at greater risk of suffering a stroke, partially due to socioeconomic factors such as inadequate access to health care, and therefore higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Gender. Stroke kills more women than men and women have more strokes than men.

• Medical history. People with a personal history of stroke or mini strokes, are at elevated risk for stroke.

Risk factors people can control:

• High blood pressure. The AHA defines high blood pressure as the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke. Annual physical exams are vital to diagnosing and monitoring blood pressure, and getting it back to a healthy level.

• Smoking. The AHA characterizes smoking as paving the way for stroke. Never smoking or quitting smoking immediately can lower risk for stroke.

• Diabetes. People with type 1 or 2 diabetes should control their blood sugar, as a risk factor for stroke.

• Diet.Adiethighinsaturatedfat,transfat,sodiumandcholesterol can lead to high blood pressure and obesity, and increase the likelihood of suffering stroke.

• Physicalinactivity.Peoplewithapredominantlysedentarylifestyle should incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

—MetroCreativeConnection