February is National Heart Month. Stroke Prevention

It is a good time to remember that stroke is still a major cause of death and disability in the U.S.

Risk Factors for Stroke Treatable Diseases That Increase Stroke Risk:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure by definition is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder to move blood through the body. This can weaken blood vessels and damage major organs such as the brain. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke. Hypertension can be controlled by a combination of healthy diet, exercise and stress management.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Atrial fibrillation (AF) is caused when the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and unpredictably, producing an irregular heartbeat. AF raises stroke risk because it allows blood to pool in the heart. When blood pools, it tends to form clots, which can then be carried to the brain, causing a stroke. Long-term untreated AF can also weaken the heart, leading to heart failure. Three out of four Afib-related stroke can be prevented. Discuss your risk for Afib and stroke with your doctor.

High Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that the human body makes on its own, but it also comes from fat in foods. High levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream can clog arteries and cause a stroke or heart attack. Although many risk factors cannot be changed, as family history, age, (under 65) and gender (post menopausal women) there are many risk factors that are within your control including: avoiding foods high in saturated fats, maintaining weight in normal range, and simple moderate exercise on a regular basis.

Diabetes: In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Without insulin, the body can’t process sugar, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. People with diabetes are up to 4 times more likely to have a stroke than someone who does not have the disease, mainly because many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors.

Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the progressive buildup of plaque – fatty deposits and other cells – in artery walls. It can clog arteries and block the flow of blood to the brain or other parts of the body, making a person more at risk for stroke, TIA or other heart disease.

Finally, there are several lifestyle risk factors that are within your control:

Lifestyle Risk Factors That Can Be Changed:

Tobacco Use/Smoking: Among other things, smoking damages blood vessel walls, speeds up the clogging of arteries, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Smoking also doubles the risk of stroke.

Alcohol Use: Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. For example, drinking large amounts of alcohol may increase risk for stroke.

Obesity: Obesity and excess weight put a strain on the entire circulatory system. Obesity also makes people more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes -- all of which can increase risk for stroke. Adopting healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity can help reduce stroke risk

Thanks to National Stroke Association http://www.stroke.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=23561.0&dlv_id=32261■