Stroke Prevention

The causes of Stroke are varied but risk factors that increase chances of Stroke include high blood pressure, artery blockages and high cholesterol. These risk factors are often affected by poor lifestyle choices.

In general, having a healthy lifestyle decreases your chances of developing conditions which may lead to Stroke. The NHS provides us with some general health advice and by following these simple steps you could decrease the risk factors of Stroke as well as many other illnesses.

Diet

It sounds extremely obvious but ensuring you follow a healthy, balanced diet means that you will reduce risks of developing high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol two leading factors of stroke. The NHS encourages you to eat no more than 6 grams of salt a day and to reduce your intake of highly processed and fatty foods.

Exercise

Combining your balanced diet with regular exercise also helps to keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Although each body is different, generally most people are recommended to do around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.

Stopping Smoking

The majority of people are aware that smoking is an extremely unhealthy habit however not everyone is aware of its links to Stroke. Smoking significantly increases your risk of having a stroke because it narrows your arteries and makes your blood more likely to clot. Stopping smoking may seem difficult but doing so can greatly improve your general health.

Reducing Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to irregular heartbeat conditions and high blood pressure, both of these things can increase your risk of having a stroke. Reducing your alcohol intake to the recommended limits or lower can decrease your risk of having stroke. Men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week. Spread your drinking over three days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week.

For more comprehensive advice please see the NHS Choices website.