Many risk factors for stroke can be controlled, and some can not, such as your family history, age and gender. However, important steps can still be taken to help prevent strokes.
Factors beyond your control
Age: Strokes are more common after age 55.
Gender: Men have more strokes than women.
Family history: If your parents or grandparents suffered strokes, your chances of having a stroke are higher.
Factors you can control
You can take control of many of the biggest risk factors that lead to stroke, including tobacco, alcohol and drugs, diet and exercise, and sleep apnea.
Tobacco
Kick the habit:
If you smoke, quitting will drop your risk of stroke significantly within two years. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you kick the smoking habit.
Alcohol and medications
Limit alcohol consumption: You may drink in moderation, but limit your alcohol to one drink a day. You can choose between a single shot of liquor, a 4-ounce glass of wine, or a 12-ounce glass of beer.
Take your medicine as directed: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can be treated with medication. If your doctor prescribes medicines, take them as directed.
Diet and exercise
Eat right and exercise: With every meal you make at home you can reduce your cholesterol, reduce your weight and help to reduce your blood pressure. If you are diabetic, healthy eating may reduce complications.
Stay trim and fit: Adding physical activity to your daily schedule will also help to hold down your blood pressure. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about establishing a weight loss program. A typical goal is to lose a pound a week by exercising for 30 minutes three times a week.
Sleep apnea
Most of these preventive measures are common sense; however, one risk factor you would not expect is sleep apnea — the collapsing of the back of the throat during sleep — putting you at a higher risk of stroke.
If you snore heavily, you may have sleep apnea. If your spouse reports that you sometimes stop breathing for a minute or two when you sleep — then come up with a snort for the next breath — you should tell your physician and your care team.
Sleep apnea can be treated with an air pump and face mask that keeps the airway open.
In short, leading an active lifestyle, developing good habits and kicking the bad ones, and getting a good night of sleep are your best measures for preventing a stroke.