A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). It’s a life-threatening event that affects over 795,000 Americans each year — that’s one stroke every 40 seconds.
While they can seem to strike without warning, the majority of strokes are tied to specific, manageable risk factors.
At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, our team, led by Hesham Fakhri, MD, specializes in helping patients lower their risk of stroke and other serious cardiovascular complications. Read on to explore our top tips for stroke prevention.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of a stroke.
Excess weight, particularly around the midsection, puts a constant strain on your cardiovascular system, which can lead to issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol — two leading stroke risk factors.
Healthy eating is a crucial part of managing your weight, but that’s not the only way diet affects your stroke risk.
Foods high in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, while a balanced diet of colorful produce, whole grains, and lean proteins helps lower inflammation and reduce artery-clogging plaque.
Regular exercise trains your heart to pump more efficiently and strengthens your blood vessels, which allows them to better manage blood flow and pressure. This reduces strain and protects them from the kind of damage that can lead to a stroke.
To keep your cardiovascular system in top condition, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it’s just a brisk walk around the neighborhood. If you have an existing heart condition or have been inactive for a long period, consult with a professional like Dr. Fakhri before starting a new exercise routine.
Some of the most significant risk factors for a stroke can exist without any noticeable symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to know your key health metrics, including your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar (A1C) readings.
Routine screenings provide the data we need to identify silent risks before they become a serious threat. This knowledge can empower you to make timely lifestyle changes or pursue medical treatment to address potential issues.
Quitting smoking is non-negotiable for heart health. The chemicals in cigarette smoke directly damage the lining of the blood vessels and make blood thicker and more prone to clotting, which can easily lead to a blockage.
While moderate alcohol consumption is often debated, excessive drinking is a clear risk factor for stroke. Heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and contribute to problems with heart rhythm (arrhythmias) like atrial fibrillation.
There’s a lot you can do to prevent a stroke, but you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Dr. Fakhri and our team can help you navigate your risk factors, creating a personalized plan that may include targeted lifestyle modifications, medications like statins or blood thinners, or more advanced procedures, such as carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy.
For a comprehensive evaluation and professional guidance, see the stroke prevention experts at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute. Call us today or reach out online to schedule a consultation in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Sun City, Florida.
