How to Avoid a Stroke

Strokes, in which there's a disruption of blood flow to the brain, are the most common cause of neurological disability in the United States, usually resulting from atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) or hypertension. To avoid strokes make the following lifestyle changes.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Stress Relief Products
• Aspirins
• Pulse/heart Monitors
• Scales
• Relaxation Tapes
• Health Club Memberships
• Yoga Video

1. Maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle: Exercise aerobically four times a week for 30 to 40 minutes; eat lots of fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods.

2. Avoid fats, especially saturated fats found in meat, butter and beef shortening.

3. Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart and blood vessels work harder. (See "How to Prevent Hypertension.") Treat high blood pressure as recommended by your doctor.

4. Check your cholesterol. Most malls and many senior centers offer cholesterol tests for a nominal fee.

5. Test your blood sugar. Chronic high blood sugar is harmful to the arteries. Free blood sugar testing is often offered at pharmacies.

6. Ask your doctor to check your blood hematocrit level. High hematocrits make a person more prone to strokes.

7. Stop smoking if you do. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to narrow and constrict, which impedes circulation.

8. Reduce or eliminate drug and alcohol intake. Abuse of either can cause strokes in teenagers and young adults.

9. Avoid constipation. Straining to move your bowels is hard on your heart and blood vessels.

10. Reduce your stress. Chronic stress causes the blood vessels to narrow, which makes blood pressure rise and the heart work harder.

11. Relax. Take a yoga class, read a good book to your loved one, pray, meditate or do whatever else relaxes you and increases your sense of well-being.

12. Take an aspirin every other day unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Aspirin helps your blood flow more easily.

Tips & Warnings

• An enteric or coated aspirin will help avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

• Avoid taking oral contraceptives if you're at risk for atherosclerosis due to family history, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• For additional information on how to prevent strokes, call the American Heart Association at (800) AHA-USA1. The AHA will send you written materials on all aspects of stroke.

• Ask your doctor if you should make any exercise and dietary changes, and discuss the suggested changes above before implementing them.

• If you're on Coumadin or other heart medications don't take aspirin without consulting your doctor.

• If you have disturbances in your vision, have difficulty speaking or experience even minor, temporary paralysis in any of your extremities, go to your local emergency room immediately.

• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.