Stroke Prevention
The thought of having a stroke is scary, and right now, the risk of stroke is on the rise. It is estimated that one in four adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime. I’m not a gambler, but these odds feel too high to ignore. Fortunately, there are concrete ways to prevent having a stroke or subsequent stroke (additional stroke after an initial stroke), and an easy way to remember them:
S – Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to clot formation and plaque buildup, which increases stroke risk. Quitting smoking or vaping, and even avoiding secondhand smoke, is a lifestyle change that can significantly reduce your risk.
T – Take medications as prescribed. By managing health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, this one simple habit can drastically reduce your risk of stroke. Consult with your physician before making any medication changes and request regular check-ins to ensure you are taking the optimal medications and doses.
R – Regular physical activity. Staying active helps lower blood pressure and promotes weight loss. There is no magic workout or activity that reduces stroke risk, so find something that you enjoy and fits into your lifestyle to help you stay consistent.
O – Obesity. Obesity raises the risk of stroke due to the complications it’s linked to, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Losing as little as 10 pounds can have a significant impact.
K – Keep track of blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. There are several ways to reduce blood pressure in collaboration with your healthcare team, which is why I cannot stress enough the importance of regular medical checkups.
E – Eat healthily. To maintain a healthy diet, focus on foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium, while also limiting sugary drinks. Many sources recommend the Mediterranean diet for stroke prevention, as it emphasizes plant-based foods, heart-healthy fish, and unrefined grains.
While there are still stroke risk factors that cannot be modified (think age, sex, race and genetics), keeping the above tips in mind is essential for managing the lifestyle factors that have the greatest impact on stroke prevention. Small choices today can be a powerful investment in a stroke-free future.
Author: Paula Duve, physical therapist and outpatient clinical team lead at On With Life