Prevention Guidelines
Here are some steps you can take to guard against the possibility of a stroke occurring:
- Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the
single most important risk factor for stroke and heart disease. 120/80
or less is optimal.
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation
- Find a healthy outlet for stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Eat plenty of low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
- Don't smoke. If you do, quit!
- If
you have narrowed arteries, your doctor may suggest anti-clotting
medications such as aspirin or a prescription drug to reduce the chance
of clots. Surgical procedures, such as carotid endarterectomies and
carotid stenting, are sometimes used to widen narrowed vessels in the
neck.
- If you have diabetes, take steps to control it. This disease can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.
- If you drink alcohol, drink moderately.
- Know the symptoms of stroke.