Old age is inevitable. We may try our best to slow it down, but in the long run, it will catch up to us. As we age, we become more prone to various sicknesses and physical ailments, and strokes are more likely to happen, but they can occur at any age. Just the word stroke is scary. Anytime that word is uttered, you probably conjure images of your heart beating irreparably fast, arteries clogging, and dropping where you stand. But don’t fret; there are some precautions you can take to prevent such an event from happening.
To keep a stroke from sending you to the next life, your first step is knowing what factors can spur it on. Some key points include obvious factors, such as smoking and high obesity, but others are not so obvious, such as gender and physical inactivity. If the thought of a stroke is horrifying and you want to prevent one from ever happening, keep reading to find out what can cause a stroke, so you’re sure never to implement such factors. This’ll also be great for those looking to get a head start in the game. It’s never too late to start taking care of your well-being!
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is an obvious cause of stroke. Usually, nothing good ever comes from having this condition: arteries are damaged, severe risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. In fact, hypertension is the leading cause of stroke, as it damages blood vessels over time. According to www.heart.org, those who’ve had their first stroke also have high blood pressure. It’s truly no joke, and if you're one of the many people who have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to prevent it from leading to something extremely dangerous.
Managing blood pressure is important for preventing strokes and other conditions that can result from it. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but prescriptions and managing lifestyle are great ways to prevent hypertension from becoming life-threatening.
Smoking
Another obvious factor for strokes. Despite what was advertised about cigarettes years ago, they’re extremely harmful to your body, inside and out. Smoking increases clot formation and damages blood vessels, which creates a pathway straight to the stroke territory. According to the World Stroke Organization, “Someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day is six times more likely to have a stroke compared to a non-smoker.” A staggering statement for those with a smoking habit. It can be hard to quit a nicotine addiction, but know there are resources out there to help you along your journey. Talking to a doctor or pharmacist can be the beginning steps to a nicotine-free life.
Diabetes
Diabetes creates high blood sugar, which can damage blood vessels and increase clotting risks. According to stroke.org, “People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a stroke as people who do not.” Diabetes is a taxing condition, but there are ways to diminish it and not let it overtake your life and well-being. Getting tested regularly and talking to a doctor is a straightforward but effective way to ensure you're staying healthy. To lower your risk of a stroke with diabetes, stroke.org has several steps you can take: having a healthy diet, staying away from any form of smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
High Cholesterol
The prime reason for a stroke is a cut-off blood supply to your brain, so it makes sense that high cholesterol is a factor in this scary condition. It can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow, but cholesterol levels vary from person to person and with age. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor, who can help you understand what healthy levels look like.
Obesity
Excess weight creates a multitude of problems: it contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and, of course, can lead to stroke. When you’re overweight, physical activity is diminished, and your overall well-being is somewhat hindered by the weight you’re trying to manage. There are ways to regain a healthy body weight and lower your risk of stroke by making small, but long-lasting changes. A big one is having a healthy, balanced diet. A few others are to increase physical activity, avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, and leave take-away foods for special occasions.
Physical Inactivity
When you sit around all day, you’re actively regressing your body’s health. Sometimes, inactivity is unavoidable. People have office jobs where they sit in a chair that's sometimes comfortable but eventually becomes uncomfortable, staring at a computer for eight or nine hours. Not to mention remote jobs. If you have an online work-from-home profession, you’re basically in the same boat as an office job, but you’re in the comfort of your pajamas and house. Then, there are bouts of our lives where being active can be tiresome and draining.
If you're lacking motivation, try finding friends or family to join a workout class with. They’ll make it fun and worthwhile! The key is to change your mindset. Once you’ve realized exercise can significantly lower your risk of stroke and benefit other aspects of your life, you’ll hopefully want to put on some workout gear and go outside for a nice walk or run.
Atrial Fibrillation (Irregular Heartbeat)
An irregular heartbeat can cause blood clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain, ultimately resulting in fatal strokes. According to heartandstroke.ca, “People with atrial fibrillation have 3 to 5 times greater risk for ischemic stroke.” There are strategies that can treat irregular heartbeat, such as medications and surgeries. This condition may be frightening to deal with, but there are resources and people to go to when you’re in need of help.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
I think we all know that drinking too much alcohol is never going to end in anything good. If it’s for one night, you should be okay, but will probably wake up with a horrible hangover. If you are drinking copious amounts of alcohol for several days and on many occasions, then a problem is starting to show itself and needs to be addressed. This can raise blood pressure and lead to irregular heart rhythms, which may even result in atrial fibrillation, and you’re one more step toward having a stroke.
Unhealthy Diet
This factor can go hand in hand with physical inactivity and obesity. If you’re continuously eating bad foods, such as those high in salt, saturated fats, and trans fats, you increase your stroke risk. When you have a bad diet, you usually end up becoming obese, and with obesity comes a sedentary lifestyle. Those fast food meals and sweet treats may be enticing, but having discipline is necessary when it comes to food. Don’t view unhealthy foods as taboo. You just need to have a mindset change and know that eating them in moderation is the way to go.
Family History of Stroke
Genealogy is a huge factor for a multitude of things: medical conditions, your appearance, allergies, the foods you like, etc. Your genetic makeup is comprised of all those who’ve come before you, so if some family members happen to have suffered from stroke, chances are you may too. It doesn’t have to be strokes that plague your family history, either. It can be conditions that lead to it, including atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Age
The risk of stroke increases significantly after age 55. The condition can happen at any age, but once you’ve surpassed mid-fifties, your risk increases a bit. If you’re concerned about yourself having a stroke or being at risk of one, no matter your age, it’s best to consult a doctor who can help you navigate these worries. This way, you can get ahead before the untimely event is upon you.
Gender
A fact you may not have been aware of is that gender has an influence on stroke risk. Women are at higher risk of stroke than men, especially during pregnancy or menopause. According to stroke.org, “Stroke is the No.3 cause of death in women…One in five women will have a stroke.” It’s important to understand your risk levels as a woman. Know your blood pressure, talk to care professionals, and take steps to improve your well-being.
Stress and Depression
Depression can hit you like a brick. It’s one of those mental ailments that can sneak up on you, and not realize you’re in its toxic clutches until it’s too late. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and contribute to unhealthy habits. As world-stroke.org says, “Depression has been linked to hypertension and atrial fibrillation,” both of which are included on this list. Mental health is extremely important when improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re struggling with depression and stress, consult a professional therapist and inquire about medications that can help.
Sleep Apnea
Interruptions in breathing during sleep can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. There are many types of sleep apnea, and several can result in a stroke. According to sleepapnea.org, if you suffer from this condition, you experience reduced blood flow, limited oxygen, heart structure impairment, and a higher risk for other stroke conditions to show up. Finding treatment for sleep apnea is crucial to elevating your well-being.
Certain Medical Conditions
Conditions like sickle cell disease, migraines with aura, and autoimmune diseases can elevate stroke risk. There’s no doubt that the medical scene is complex and overlaps. Specific medical conditions can lead to other conditions, and then you have a heap of problems you have to figure out, and hope you can overcome.
Sickle cell disease occurs when a blood vessel that goes to the brain either bursts or gets blocked. As stroke.org states, “Migraine with aura is associated with a greater risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in women, especially under age 55.” Whether you have a risk of stroke or not all depends on many factors: genetic makeup, gender, age, and other medical conditions you may already deal with. It’s important to talk to professionals who can help you lower the risk of stroke as much as possible.
