Stroke Risk Factors & Preventions

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack."

Although few people realize it, everyone is at some risk for stroke. Stroke remains the 6th leading cause of death, and the leading cause of long-term disability. The good news is that many strokes can be prevented when people learn about risk factors and take steps to reduce or eliminate them.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

• Your age. Risk of stroke increases with age.
• Your gender. Men have a higher risk of getting heart disease than women except in older adults.
• Your genes. If your parents had a stroke, you are at higher risk
• Heritage. African-Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans also have a higher risk for heart problems.
• Diseases such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and some types of arthritis
• Weak areas in an artery wall or abnormal arteries and veins
• Pregnancy– both during and in the weeks right after the pregnancy

Blood clots from the heart may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. This may happen in people with man-made or infected heart valves or in certain heart defects you were born with. Other causes of blood clots are a very weak heart and some abnormal heartbeats,

Risk Factors You Can Change

You can change some risk factors for stroke, by taking the following steps:

• Do not smoke.
• Control your cholesterol.
• Control high blood pressure.
• Control diabetes.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Avoid illegal drugs.

Good nutrition is important to your heart health and will help control some of your stroke risk factors:

• Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Choose lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, beans and legumes.
• Choose low-fat dairy products, such as 1% milk and other low-fat items.
• Avoid sodium (salt) and fats found in fried foods, processed foods, and baked goods.
• Eat fewer animal products and foods that contain cheese, cream, or eggs.