Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the fifth-leading cause of death and a frequent cause of disability, including paralysis, memory impairment and the loss of vision or the ability to speak.
A sudden, unexpected medical emergency
There are two kinds of stroke: ischemic stroke—the more common kind—and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when there’s a blockage of oxygen reaching the brain and brain tissue begins to break down. A hemorrhagic stroke takes place when there’s a rupture of a blood vessel into the brain. About 85% of strokes are ischemic, while 15% are hemorrhagic.
While it’s true that anyone—even babies— can have a stroke, your risk increases as you get older. In addition, risk is higher for those who are Black or Hispanic. While age, race and family history are factors you can’t change, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing this brain-damaging, and sometimes fatal condition. Remember: the American Stroke Association estimates that 80% of strokes are preventable.
To help reduce your risk of stroke:
Get your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is the top risk factor for stroke, so it’s important to work with your doctor to lower your blood pressure if it’s 130/80 or higher.
Manage your diabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels, which puts you at increased risk of developing some kind of blockage, leading to a stroke.
Bring your blood cholesterol down. High cholesterol increases the possibility that an artery will become blocked. If an artery leading to the brain is obstructed, it can result in a stroke.
Stop smoking. Smoking, including vaping, almost doubles your risk for ischemic stroke, the most common kind.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight, especially if you carry much of that weight around your midriff, increases risk.
Exercise. Getting about 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, such as walking, helps reduce your risk.
Don’t binge drink or use recreational drugs. Drinking alcohol, especially binge drinking, raises your risk of stroke—as does using drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Control an irregular heart rhythm. Several different heart conditions increase stroke risk, but atrial fibrillation (AFib) tops the list. Check the prescription drugs you take. For women, taking birth control or hormone replacement prescriptions that contain estrogen raises your chances of having a stroke, so discuss your risk factors with your physician. If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor about monitoring the dose to reduce the risk of a bleeding stroke.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Need a physician? Visit our provider directory.
Related resources
Ask an expert: Can you have a stroke and not know it? (providence.org)
