Controllable Risk Factors For Stroke

Individuals of all age, race and gender are susceptible to strokes

. However, the odds of an individual having a stroke increase if that individual has certain risk factors for stroke, or criteria that commonly cause strokes. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from suffering a stroke is to understand your personal risk factors for stroke and how to manage them.

There are two types of risk factors for stroke: uncontrollable and controllable. Uncontrollable risk factors for stroke include being male, over the age of 55, being Hispanic, African American or Asian/Pacific Islander and having a family history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

Controllable risk factors for stroke commonly fall into one of two categories: medical risk factors and lifestyle risk factors. Medical risk factors for stroke can commonly be treated and lifestyle factors for stroke can often be changed. Both can be managed best by consulting a doctor or physician, who can advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and can prescribe medication to address medical issues.

Controlling risk factors for stroke is easier than one may think. Common medical risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (AF), high cholesterol, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Common lifestyle risk factors include tobacco use/ smoking, alcohol use and obesity. With the help of a doctor or physician, many diseases that commonly increase risk can be treated and individuals can control lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and unhealthy eating.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor. Blood pressure by definition is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure causes the individual's heart to pump harder in order to move blood through the body. This is known to weaken blood vessels and damage major organs. Individuals who do not treat high blood pressure are more susceptible to stroke.

Atrial Fibrillation

AF is caused when the two upper chambers of the heart, the atria, beat unpredictably and rapidly, producing an irregular heartbeat. AF increases stroke risk because it causes blood to pool in the heart. When blood pools, in commonly forms clots, which can be carried to all parts of the body including the brain, causing a stroke. AF can also lead to heart failure.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is created in the human body but also comes from fat in foods. High levels of cholesterol can clog arteries leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is used by the body to process sugar which is the basic fuel for many cells in the human body. Individuals with diabetes are up to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke than an individual who does not have diabetes.

Atherosclerosis

According to the National Stroke Association, Atherosclerosis is the progressive buildup of plaque in artery walls. It can block the flow of blood to the brain and clog arteries making an individual more susceptible to stroke.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use/ smoking, alcohol use and obesity all increase the risk of stroke. Increasing physical activity and adopting healthy eating habits can help reduce stroke risk.

by: Ed Koeneman

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