January 19, 2022In Insights
Stroke Prevention
Disclaimer: this is not medical advice
If you have ever suffered from a stroke, you know that it is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. While at the hospital, doctors can make several interventions to decrease the likelihood that you will suffer long-term complications. However, what many people do not consider is the importance of continuing treatment and taking preventative measures after leaving the hospital.
Approximately 25 percent of stroke survivors will have another stroke within five years. Additionally, in the days and weeks following a stroke, you have a 17 percent chance of developing another stroke within the next 90 days1. These statistics emphasize the importance of managing your pre-existing conditions that may cause stroke and implementing a healthy lifestyle. This article will discuss what changes you should consider making post-stroke.
Management of chronic conditions
There are multiple conditions that can increase your chances of having another stroke. These diseases include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Atrial fibrillation
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)
These conditions are serious and require treatment to manage them and prevent long-term complications, like stroke. If you have any of these diseases, it is important to follow-up with your doctor after your stroke to make sure you are adequately treating these conditions2.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe you new medications to help manage other pre-existing conditions you have that can contribute to your stroke risk. Your doctor may also recommend taking aspirin after having a stroke. Aspirin thins the blood, preventing the formation of clots in the body. Aspirin can also be combined with other anti-clotting agents for additional stroke protection.
Do not take aspirin unless recommended by your doctor. While aspirin can have a protective effect, it also carries some risks such as serious bleeding and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, aspirin can pose some serious risks if you are over the age of 70, and therefore it is not recommended in this age group3.
Lifestyle changes
There are many non-pharmacologic ways to reduce your risk of stroke in the future. These include engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, limiting your alcohol intake, and stopping smoking.
Regular exercise
Physical activity is important to maintaining a healthy weight and managing other comorbid conditions. For example, exercise can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Experts currently recommend engaging in 2 hours and 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every week. Aerobic exercise could include things like walking, running, cycling, or swimming.
Healthy weight and diet
Being overweight or obese can increase your chances of having another stroke. To manage your weight, it is important to engage in regular exercise and have a healthy diet. Make sure your diet is low in cholesterol, salt, and saturated and trans fats. Choose healthy foods and incorporate vegetables and fruit into your meals.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking cigarettes is a large risk factor for having a stroke. Stopping smoking will lower this risk. Your doctor can also prescribe certain medications that can help you quit. Additionally, limit your alcohol intake to a maximum of two drinks daily for men and one drink daily for women4.
References
- Stroke Treatment | cdc.gov. (2021, May 25). https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/treatments.htm
- Stroke—Prevention. (2017, October 24). Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/prevention/
- Aspirin and stroke. (n.d.). Www.Stroke.Org. Retrieved January 15, 2022, from https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke/aspirin-and-stroke
- Preventing stroke: Healthy living habits | cdc. Gov. (2021, August 2). https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/healthy_living.htm
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