Stroke Prevention Guidelines

Know your Risk Factors
The two primary types of risk factors for stroke are those controllable and those that are not. Remember having one or more uncontrollable risk factors does not make a person fated to have a stroke. Proper attention to controllable stroke risk factors can help decrease the impact of uncontrollable risk factors:

• Uncontrollable risk factors:
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Family history
  • Diabetes
• Controllable risk factors-treatable medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke:
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Personal history of stroke or TIA

Follow the Stroke Prevention Guidelines
National Stroke Association's (NSA) Prevention Advisory Board released its Stroke Prevention Guidelines, the first-ever national expert consensus set of recommendations on what the public can do to prevent the third leading cause of death in the United States. The public is encouraged to seek their physicians' advice and assistance with implementation of the guidelines.

1. Know your blood pressure, Have it checked at least annually. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control.
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation.
3. If you smoke, stop.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
5. Find out if you have high cholesterol.
6. If you're a diabetic, follow your doctors recommendation to control your diabetes.
7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems which increase your risk of stroke.
10. If you experience any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.