YOUR GUIDE

TO PREVENTING
STROKE

HEALTH INFO
 T I PS
Strategies for a Healthier Life
Destina1 International
Definition of Stroke
Stroke is a medical condition that
occurs when the blood supply to the
brain is interrupted or reduced. This
interruption can be caused by a
blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel,
leading to the death of brain cells.
Stroke is a serious medical
emergency, and quick treatment is
critical to preventing disability or
death.
There are two main types of stroke:
ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic
strokes occur when a blood clot
blocks a blood vessel in the brain,
while hemorrhagic strokes occur
when a blood vessel in the brain
ruptures and bleeds into the
surrounding tissue.
The symptoms of stroke can vary
depending on the severity and
location of the stroke. Common
symptoms include sudden weakness
or numbness in the face, arm, or leg,
difficulty speaking or understanding
speech, sudden vision loss, dizziness
or loss of balance, and a severe
headache.
Risk factors for stroke include high
blood pressure, smoking, diabetes,
high cholesterol, and a family history
of stroke. Age, race, and gender can
also play a role in stroke risk. While
some risk factors cannot be
controlled, such as age and family
history, many can be managed
through lifestyle changes and
medical treatment.
Preventing stroke begins with
understanding your risk factors and
making healthy lifestyle choices. This
includes maintaining a healthy
weight, exercising regularly, eating a
balanced diet, quitting smoking, and
managing chronic medical conditions
such as high blood pressure and
diabetes.
Importance of Stroke
Prevention
Stroke is a leading cause of disability
and death worldwide. Every year,
millions of people suffer from a
stroke, and many of them lose their
lives or suffer permanent disabilities.
However, the good news is that
stroke is preventable, and there are
many things you can do to reduce
your risk of having a stroke.
The importance of stroke prevention
cannot be overemphasized.
Prevention is always better than cure,
and in the case of stroke, prevention
can save lives and prevent
disabilities. There are many risk
factors for stroke, such as high blood
pressure, smoking, diabetes, high
cholesterol, obesity, and physical
inactivity. By managing these risk
factors, you can significantly reduce
your risk of having a stroke.such as
high blood pressure and diabetes.
One of the most effective ways to
prevent stroke is to keep your blood
pressure under control. High blood interrupted. There are two main
pressure is a leading cause of stroke, types of stroke: ischemic and
and if left untreated, it can cause haemorrhagic.
damage to blood vessels in the brain,
leading to a stroke. You can keep
your blood pressure under control by
eating a healthy diet, exercising
regularly, reducing sodium intake,
and taking medication if prescribed
by your doctor.

Another important way to prevent

stroke is to stop smoking. Smoking
damages blood vessels, increases
blood pressure, and raises the risk of
stroke. Quitting smoking can
significantly reduce your risk of
stroke and improve your overall
health. If you need help quitting
smoking, talk to your doctor or join a
support group.

Maintaining a healthy weight and

exercising regularly can also reduce
your risk of stroke. Obesity and
physical inactivity are both risk
factors for stroke, and by maintaining
a healthy weight and exercising
regularly, you can reduce your risk of
stroke and improve your overall
health.
In conclusion, stroke prevention is
crucial for a healthier life. By
managing your risk factors, such as
high blood pressure, smoking,
diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity,
and physical inactivity, you can
significantly reduce your risk of
stroke. It's never too late to start
taking steps to prevent stroke, and
the earlier you start, the better your
chances of living a healthy and
fulfilling life. So, take control of your
health today and start preventing
stroke.
1. Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a
blood clot blocks the flow of blood to
the brain. This type of stroke
accounts for about 87% of all
strokes. Ischemic stroke is the most
common type of stroke, accounting
for around 87% of all stroke cases. It
occurs when a blockage or clot forms
in one of the blood vessels that
supply the brain with oxygen and
nutrients. The lack of blood flow and
oxygen to the brain can cause lasting
damage and even death if not
treated promptly.

Types of Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that

occurs when the blood supply to a
part of the brain is blocked or
2. Haemorrhagic stroke

A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing
bleeding in or around the brain. This type of stroke accounts for about 13% of all
strokes.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a brief episode

of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the
brain. TIAs are often a warning sign of an impending stroke and should be taken
seriously.
 To Prevent Stroke

Maintain a healthy
weight
Being overweight or obese puts
additional stress on your heart,
increasing your risk of hypertension.

Exercise regularly
Physical activity is an effective way
to lower blood pressure. Aim to
exercise for at least 30 minutes a
day, five days a week.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, lean protein, and
low-fat dairy can lower blood
pressure. Limit your intake of
sodium, saturated and trans fats,
and added sugars.

Limit alcohol
consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can
raise your blood pressure. Men
should limit their consumption to
two drinks per day, and women
should limit their intake to one
drink per day.

Quit smoking
Smoking damages your blood
vessels and increases your risk of
hypertension. Quitting smoking
can improve your overall health
and lower your blood pressure.

Manage stress
Chronic stress can raise your blood
pressure. Try relaxation
techniques such as deep
breathing, meditation, or yoga to
help manage stress levels.

In conclusion, high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke, but it is
preventable and manageable. By making lifestyle changes and following your
doctor's recommendations, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your
risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

References:
Healthline Media, Khan Academy.

*This write up is for informational purpose only.