Lower your risk of stroke by keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar in check, eating well, moving 30 minutes a day, and quitting smoking. The American Heart Association says up to 80% of strokes can be prevented with these steps.
Know What Causes a Stroke
A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to part of your brain. Brain cells die in minutes. The CDC reports stroke is a top cause of long-term disability in the U.S.
The Top Risk Factors
Some risks you cannot change, like age and family history. Most you can:
- High blood pressure (the #1 cause)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Extra weight, not enough movement
- Heavy drinking
Control the Big Three Numbers
These three numbers matter most for stroke risk.
| Number | Healthy Range |
| Blood pressure | Under 120/80 |
| LDL cholesterol | Under 100 mg/dL |
| Fasting blood sugar | Under 100 mg/dL |
The AHA says dropping your top blood pressure number by 10 points can cut stroke deaths in half. Yorktown Health Lisle offers hypertension management, cholesterol management, and diabetes management to keep these in line.
Build Stroke-Smart Habits
Small daily wins add up.
Move More, Sit Less
Aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 days a week. Even 10-minute bursts help.
Eat for Your Brain
A Mediterranean or DASH diet works best. Load up on fruit, veggies, whole grains, fish, and nuts. Cut salt to under 1,500 mg a day. Skip fried food and sugary drinks.
Quit Smoking
Smokers face 2 to 4 times the stroke risk of non-smokers. After a few years smoke-free, your risk drops close to normal.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Moderate intake is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Higher intake is associated with increased blood pressure and stroke.
Watch for Heart Trouble
Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, raises stroke risk five-fold. Get checked yearly with heart disease management at Yorktown Health Lisle.
Final Thoughts
Stroke is scary but mostly preventable. Eat well, move daily, and know your numbers. Contact Yorktown Health Lisle today to start your plan.