Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, but 80% of all strokes are preventable. The team at Community Regional Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center say it’s important to not only know how to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of stroke, but also how to manage your risk factors to lower your chances of developing one.

The American Heart Association shares seven ways to prevent a stroke: 

1. Manage Your Blood Pressure
Lowering your systolic (top) number by 10 or your diastolic (bottom) number by 5 can cut your risk of stroke death in half. According to the American Heart Association a “normal” blood pressure is <120/< 80 mm HG.
 
2. Control Your Cholesterol
By controlling your cholesterol, you’re giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
 
3. Reduce Your Blood Sugar
High levels of blood sugar over time can lead to diabetes, which increases your risk for stroke.

 
4. Get Active
Increased walking time has been associated with reduced stroke risk. Aim for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. It’s an easy goal to improve your heart and brain health and help prevent stroke.
 
5. Eat Better
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting stroke. Incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet, and decreasing your salt intake to less than 1,500 mg a day is a great start to healthier eating.
 
6. Lose Weight
Nearly 70% of American adults are overweight or obese. Obesity increases your risk for stroke. Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton.
 
7. Stop Smoking
Stroke risk is two to four times higher among smokers than nonsmokers.

 

Community Regional was the first hospital in the Valley to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center, earning the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission. For more information on stroke visit Community Regional’s Primary Stroke Center.