Stroke

Although the effects can be very devastating, learning how to prevent a stroke is actually very easy and even quite fun. By following the DASH diet - named for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study by the National Heart. Lung, and Blood Institute you can lower both your cholesterol and blood pressure.

The diet is low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables, as well as rich in important minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. But when exercise and diet don't succeed, prescription medications usually can.

New studies also show that unrestrained anger in men may increase blood pressure, so controlling your emotions is another way of how to prevent a stroke.

Smoking. You already know that smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. Add stroke to that list. Nicotine and the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke cause injury to the cardiovascular system and raise the risk of stroke. Choose a stop smoking strategy that works for you - cold turkey, nicotine patch, medication, whatever and start today.

Cholesterol and heart problems. High cholesterol is bad news for the heart and the brain. It can lead to blockage of the blood vessels leading to both organs. The predominant cause of death among people who survive a stroke is a heart attack.

Exercise may raise the beneficial HDL cholesterol level and lower the dangerous, vessel-clogging LDL level, which can prevent heart disease. When lifestyle changes don't work, one of the statin drugs can lower stubborn high cholesterol.

In addition, having an irregular heartbeat will elevate your risk of stroke. An electrocardiogram (ECG), a Holter monitor or a treadmill stress test is the best way to detect this hidden danger.

Diabetes. People with diabetes, especially those with high blood pressure, are at least twice as likely to suffer a stroke as non diabetics. Control the condition - Type 1 or Type 2 - through proper diet exercise, weight control and medication under the supervision
of a doctor Diabetics are prone to high cholesterol, which underscores the need for close monitoring.

Genes and race. If a family member has suffered a stroke, the likelihood that you may have one significantly increases. Among African-Americans, the incidence of risk factors for stroke - such as high blood pressure, obesity and smoking - are particularly high, making them more susceptible to disability and death from a stroke.

Ministrokes. A person who has a ministroke - also called a transient ischemic attack, or TLA - is 10 times more likely to suffer a full-blown stroke later on. TIAs have the same warning signs as strokes (see box) but typically last from a few minutes to several hours and don't result in permanent damage to the brain. E\ en so. if you think you're having one, get yourself to a hospital as soon as possible. A doctor can evaluate your condition and suggest strategies to help you avoid a serious stroke in the future.

Prompt Treatment Is Key

If you or a friend experiences one or more of the warning signs, call 911 immediately. On average, people wait 12 to 24 hours before seeking medical help, but a quick response increases the chance of recovery. For patients who suffer a stroke caused by blood clots, many hospitals will administer a drug called t-PA. The drug can reduce brain damage when given within three hours of a stroke. Check with your hospital to find out if it uses t-PA protocol.

Reducing the risk of stroke is not all hard work and sacrifice: it actually can be a pleasure. One study shows that men who step up their lovemaking to three times a week may reduce by half their chances of ever having a stroke.

What Is A Stroke |