Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Stroke Risk

Strokes are the fifth largest killer of Americans today, with sadly over 800,000 Americans experiencing a stroke annually. While the statistics are unnerving, there are plenty of ways to make lifestyle changes that reduce your risk of stroke, possibly preventing one altogether.

The good news is that many of the same risk factors that contribute to a stroke, also put you at risk of heart disease. That means that adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle will also reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke. Making changes to your diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits will have a big effect on your stroke risk.

Eating a diet high in fresh foods will positively impact your heart and cardiovascular health. Specifically, limiting your intake of sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol, will help lower your blood cholesterol levels, as well as your blood pressure. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are huge risk factors for both heart attacks and strokes.

Adding thirty minutes of exercise into your day is another good strategy. At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week is medically recommended to reduce your risk of stroke or heart disease. It doesn’t need to be strenuous or heavy activity either, simply walking, biking, swimming or even gardening is effective.

Smoking and alcohol use is another risk factor. If you’re a smoker, quitting now, and reducing alcohol intake to two drinks or less per day will greatly enhance your health. Cigarettes and e-cigarettes may nearly triple the risk of a stroke compared to a nonsmoker.