Strokes affect nearly 800,000 people in the United States every year, with over 140,000 of these individuals passing away from this medical emergency.¹ With early action being one of the key indicators for surviving strokes, it is vital to recognize the symptoms (BEFAST: Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911) and stop stroke before it happens through preventative measures.
While there are many different causes of stroke, there are simple things one can do to prevent stroke or significantly reduce the likelihood of a stroke leading to permanent disability or death. After all, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 80% of strokes are preventable.
Take charge of your health and learn several ways to help protect yourself against a stroke, including:
- Live a healthy lifestyle. Achieving a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke. This includes quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Other good habits include sleeping regularly and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Don’t ignore mini-strokes. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes called “mini-strokes,” can cause temporary vision loss, slurred speech, or weakness. Though they resolve within 24 hours, they may signal a problem that can lead to a full-blown stroke. About 1 in 3 people who experience a TIA will go on to have a stroke, often within a year, so be sure to seek medical care if you’ve suffered from these temporary symptoms or believe you’ve had a TIA.
- Treat diabetes. If not properly managed, diabetes can cause blood clots to form. For people with diabetes, high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, increasing the likelihood of clots forming inside them. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke.
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause plaque build-up in your arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Of people having a stroke for the first time, three-quarters have hypertension or high blood pressure. If lifestyle modifications aren’t enough to manage these conditions, your doctor may recommend medication to control them.
- Get screened for carotid artery disease. A clogged carotid artery in the neck caused by plaque build-up is estimated to cause one-third of strokes. If you have been diagnosed with heart or peripheral artery disease, you are at an increased risk for carotid artery disease. Other risk factors include being over age 65, smoking, and having a family history of stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment of a narrowed carotid artery can decrease stroke risk. Your doctor can listen to the arteries in your neck with a stethoscope or refer you for a carotid ultrasound.
Don’t delay the care you deserve any longer; talk to your doctor about your risk factors and if you should be screened for carotid artery disease. Colorado Cardiovascular Surgical Associates offers screening ultrasounds that can help you and your doctor determine your risk for stroke. The tests are quick and painless, and no physician referral is required. Learn more about screenings here or call 303-778-6527 to make an appointment today.
