10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Another Stroke
- Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. Work with your doctor to get your blood pressure to and below 130/80 mmHg.
- Control your cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can increase your risk of stroke. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower it.
- Manage your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar can damage your arteries and increase your risk of stroke.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your arteries and makes them more likely to clot. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
- Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to improve your overall health and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help you to maintain a healthy weight, control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and salt.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stroke. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
- Get regular checkups. See your doctor for regular checkups and screenings. This will help your doctor to identify and manage any risk factors for stroke early on.
- Take your medications as prescribed. If your doctor prescribes medication to help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, be sure to take it as prescribed.
Following these steps can help you to reduce your risk of having another stroke. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your individual risk factors for stroke.