f
you have ever had a stroke (or stroke warning signs),
it is very important that you work with your doctor
to determine the most likely cause of the problem and
the best course of treatment for you.
Certain
medical conditions greatly increase your likelihood
of having a stroke (or another stroke). Working
with your doctor, you may need to begin specific medical
treatment to control these risk factors.
Medical conditions
that increase your stroke risk:
Previous stroke or
"mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack,
TIA).
Depending on the most likely cause of your stroke,
your doctor may prescribe specific medication or
consider surgery to remove fatty deposits in your
carotid artery.
High blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the leading risks for
heart disease and stroke. Your physician may
advise dietary or lifestyle changes, or specific
medications to lower your blood pressure. (Take
a look at "Your
Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure" from
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute -
NHLBI. )
Heart disease.
Particularly heart beat irregularities (atrial fibrillation),
disease of the heart valves, congestive heart failure
or recent heart attack. If you have one of
these conditions, your physician may prescribe medications
to thin your blood and/or reduce your cholesterol
level. (Visit the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - NHLBI for
more information on cardiovascular disease.)
Controllable
risk factors & life style choices:
Smoking.
Tobacco use is a major preventable risk factor for
stroke and heart disease. Even if you have
smoked for years, you can still reduce your risk
by quitting now. (Need help
quitting? The Freedom
From Smoking® plan is freely available online
at the American Lung Association.)
Obesity, elevated
cholesterol, and elevated lipids.
Reducing your dietary intake of saturated fats
and cholesterol may help reduce your risk of a
stroke. (Check the Dietary
Guidelines for Healthy American Adults from
the American Heart Association to see how your
diet measures up.)
Physical inactivity.
A sedentary lifestyle void of regular exercise can
contribute to heart disease which may lead to stroke. (Learn the facts about exercise
from the Physical
Activity and Cardiovascular Health Fact Sheet
from the American Heart Association.)
Excessive alcohol
intake.
Illegal drug use.
Uncontrollable
risk factors:
Increasing age.
Stroke is more common in people over 60.
Male sex. Men and women both have strokes, although stroke
is more common at younger ages in men.
Heredity and ethnicity.
Stroke is more common in people whose close relatives
have had stroke at an early age. African-Americans
and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk than white
Americans. This may be due in part to high blood
pressure and dietary differences.
The information contained in this
web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended.
About Stroke
f
you have ever had a stroke (or stroke warning signs),
it is very important that you work with your doctor
to determine the most likely cause of the problem and
the best course of treatment for you.
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