A stroke can hit anybody at anytime. Some risk factors are outside our control, but there are certain stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure and heart disease, that can be managed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to protect yourself is to understand your risks and then take action to improve your health.
Urgent: Discover your risk for heart disease, take the test now!
While high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, experts say the good news is that it is also the most manageable. Taking the proper medications, reducing stress, and eating the right foods all can help control blood pressure.
A variety of heart diseases and conditions also contribute to stroke risk. Carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease restrict blood supply. Heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation can lead to blood pooling and clotting. And people with enlarged hearts, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects have a raised stroke risk.
Other risk factors contributing to stroke include high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, poor nutrition, and obesity.
The good news is that 80 percent of strokes are preventable. To learn more about stroke risk factors, the
National Stroke Association has developed this interactive tool.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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