subject: Strokes: Recognizing The Risk Factors & Using Chapel Hill Senior Services [print this page] A stroke is a highly dangerous medical condition that can create lasting health problems for an individualif it is not fatal. The key to successfully treating stroke is to access medical care as quickly as possible, and understanding the risk factors associated with the event is an important aspect of keeping a close eye on your elderly loved one. The home care professionals at Always Best Care, serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Orange County, Carrboro, Hope Valley, and Southpoint, know that not all seniors who suffer from a stroke have multiple conditions from the pool of risk factors associated with this condition; however, knowing the risk factors may allow you to keep a more watchful eye on your senior and, if possible, prevent increasing the odds of a stroke by lessening the risk factors to which your loved one is exposed.
Risk Factors that Seniors Can Control
By maintaining a high degree of health and doing their best to prevent the following from taking place, elderly individuals can better protect themselves against stroke:
Obesity
High blood pressure
Physical inactivity
Atrial fibrillation
Alcohol use
High cholesterol
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Circulation problems
Atherosclerosis
All of these conditions and habits can be controlled to a certain extent. For instance, seniors can refrain from using tobacco and excessively drinking alcohol. Likewise, they can stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan to ward off high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
While limiting risk factors will not completely negate the chances of stroke, it can do a great deal to minimize the odds that your senior will suffer from this condition. Additionally, maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle will benefit your elderly loved one in a variety of other important ways.
Risk Factors that Elderly Individuals Cannot Minimize
Age, gender, race, and family history are all risk factors over which individuals have no control. Additionally, previous strokes, fibromuscular dysplasia, and patent foramen ovale are also risk factors that elder care professionals know can contribute to stroke.
If you know that your elderly loved one has these risk factors, it is important to learn the signs of stroke and remain vigilant for their development. Remember, it is crucial that your senior receives medical attention as soon as possible if a stroke occurs. The home care professionals at Always Best Care in Chapel Hill know that you can improve the odds of getting this medical attention for your senior if you are aware of the risk they face.
