How to protect yourself from a stroke?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Stroke can lead to the most unfortunate consequences. And with the modern rhythm of life a lot of people fall into the risk group. To protect yourself from a stroke, you need to follow simple rules. Especially it concerns those people who have already suffered a stroke - they have a 10-fold increased risk of a second stroke.
Prevention and prevention of stroke begins with the elimination of factors that most often provoke a stroke.
Arterial pressure
High blood pressure exerts a continuous pressure on the walls of the arteries. If these factors are neglected, then constant pressure weakens and destroys the arteries, which can lead to a stroke due to the formation of thrombi and rupture of the arteries. Increased pressure is considered 140/90 and above.
[Smoking
Quitting smoking is a very important step that can reduce the risk of stroke. Especially it concerns those who did not even think to leave a bad habit after the first stroke. Five years after giving up cigarettes, the level of risk of a former smoker is equal to the level of a person who does not smoke at all. Motivate yourself that this will save you years of life.
Food
A healthy diet is no less important in reducing the risk of stroke. From the diet, you need to exclude all fatty and high-calorie foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, lean meat, fish and skimmed dairy products. Alcohol is not good either, so try to limit it as much as possible.
Physical activity
"Movement is life" is a slogan that does not lose its relevance. If a person moves little, then the muscles do not participate in the progress of blood and the blood flow slows down. The physical load must match the capabilities of the person and his age. Do not overdo it, too much activity will not lead to good - in this case, the burden on the heart increases.
Negative emotions and stress
Sadness, stress, rage and anger are provocateurs of stroke, which increase blood pressure and increase the number of heartbeats, which increases the burden on the heart. Also, the spasms of blood vessels increase and blood clotting increases, blood circulation is disturbed and thrombi are formed - this is the direct way to a stroke.