The risk of stroke is associated with the following factors:
- cardiovascular diseases;
- smoking and alcohol consumption;
- overweight and obesity;
- elevated blood glucose levels;
- high cholesterol;
- sedentary lifestyle.
All of these factors are largely related to our daily habits. Therefore, to reduce the risk of stroke, it is necessary to develop healthy habits and follow a healthy lifestyle.
Eat healthy foods: fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish. Limit your intake of salt, sugar, and trans fats.
Get moving! Moderate physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week reduces the risk of stroke by 251%. This can be not only the gym, but also walking or cycling (on flat ground), dancing, housework.
Quit smoking if you smoke. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, hookahs, vapes) has a detrimental effect on all systems and vital organs.
Try not to drink alcohol! It increases blood pressure and has a detrimental effect on the central nervous system, particularly the brain.
Monitor your weight. You can calculate your body mass index (BMI) and measure your waist and hip circumference. Ask your doctor how to calculate it correctly.
Monitor your blood pressure! Measure your blood pressure twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. If you already have hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases, follow your prescribed treatment. This will reduce the risk of stroke.
Get your cholesterol checked. This can be done free of charge by your family doctor. If your cholesterol is high, follow your doctor's recommendations.
Monitor your blood sugar levels, as people with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke. And if your blood glucose levels are too high during a stroke, it can lead to more serious consequences.
Following these rules requires discipline and daily effort, but this is a contribution to our health that neither the most modern medicines nor the most professional doctors can make for us.