How To Protect Yourself From Stroke?

The Risk Factors Of Stroke

The definite causes of stroke are not yet known. Some factors below have been shown to make a person more prone to stroke:

Established Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Cigarette Smoking

Probable Risk Factors
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Stress
- Post-Menopause
- Family History and Genetics
- Women on Contraceptive Pills

Suspected Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity

Protect Yourself From Stroke

Avoid high cholesterol and fatty foods.

Excess cholesterol and other fats in the blood can be deposited in the walls of arteries, narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Narrowed arteries disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Adopt a healthy diet.

Take more fruits and vegetables. For more details on cholesterol, you can refer to our guide "Going On A Cholesterol Lowering Diet".

Treat high blood pressure and learn to relax.

High blood pressure attacks the blood vessels - increased pressure thickens and stiffens the walls of your arteries and narrows the lumen. This can cause blood vessels to burst at weakened spots in the brain, causing a stroke.

Raised blood pressure also injures the lining of the arteries which can cause thrombus (clot) formation, blocking the flow of blood to your brain.

Monitor and control your blood pressure by having regular medical check-ups. Avoid excessive intake of salty food. For more details on a low-salt diet, you can refer to our guide "Going On A Low Salt Diet".

Stress increases blood pressure. Find time to relax if your lifestyle is very stressful.

Stop smoking

Nicotine (the main chemical in cigarettes) increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Do not smoke. If you do, quit as soon as possible.

Control your blood sugar level

Diabetes Mellitus is often associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Regular check-ups and adhering strictly to a medical and dietary advice will help reduce your chances
getting a stroke.

Regular exercise

Physical inactivity and being overweight are often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Exercise regularly according to your age and lifestyle.You can also exercise at work. For example, you can walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift.

Know what state your health is in

If your family has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, your chances of developing them are high. So you should be more careful with your general health.

Women who use oral contraceptives are five times more likely to have a stroke. Post-menopausal women are also more prone.

Regular check-ups are important, as they can help you monitor your physical health more closely.