[toc]Stroke, also called as ‘brain attack’ is caused due to obstructed blood flow to the brain. The reduced supply of blood is directly correlated to decreased oxygen levels that may cause decay of brain cells, eventually leading to stroke. It is the commonest form of disability that disrupts lives permanently and the third most prevalent cause for adult deaths in US.
Out of these, 80% of strokes are ischemic strokes, where the blood vessel blockage occurs in the brain or neck region that may be caused by thrombosis (blood clot formation) or embolism (movement of clot from other parts to neck or brain) or stenos is (narrowing of artery of the brain). Rest 20% is accounted by hemorrhagic strokes that can occur due to internal bleeding in the inner or outer spaces of the brain. But, there are easy ways to keep a check over the possibility of a stroke and prevent it completely.
5 Important Measures To Prevent Stroke
Keep Control Over Blood Pressure Levels
Blood pressure within the healthy range (120/80) reduces the risk of stroke by 50%. High blood pressure is the key cause for blood vessels damage, resulting in higher susceptibility to clot formation.
Women beyond 55 are more prone to developing high blood pressure, owing to reduced estrogen levels as they age and losing the protective shield offered by the estrogen levels. Those, with high blood pressure should include garlic cloves as the first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
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Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol adheres to arteries and results in increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be controlled by intake of foods low in sodium levels and saturated fats. Eating 5 to 6 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits on daily basis, keeps the cholesterol levels regulated.
Manage The Body Weight
Excess weight from an early age tends to increase the risk of stroke manifolds. Therefore, those who put on weight easily, should get it monitored frequently and bring down the excess weight by indulging more in vegetarian diet and having lots of fluid. Intake more of vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid rich foods as these are known to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood that is closely associated with increased risk of heart diseases and stroke.
Vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 are present in fortified cereals and grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Include more serving of fresh veggies to reduce down the gained weight.
Regular Exercising
High amounts of physical activity are directly linked to reduce chances of stroke as exercise aids in strengthening the heart that has higher capacity in pumping blood to all organs and cells of the body, with least effort.
Physical activity keeps the metabolism more active that efficiently assimilates the extra fats, thereby maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol and lowering the probable possibility of stroke. Those, on the obese end should avoid skipping exercising even for a day.
Stop Smoking
Smokers are at two folds higher risk of ischemic stroke than non smokers. Intake of two packs of cigarettes boosts the risk of stroke by nine times and those who quit smoking, reduces the risk to that of non smokers within a span of 2 years itself.
Carbon monoxide and nicotine from cigarettes damages the Cardiovascular system extensively, thereby putting the smoker at highly likely sufferer of stroke. Women smokers additionally using oral contraceptive pills are at profound risk for blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
