Lifestyle factors and stroke prevention

The following changes in lifestyle will help lower your risk of stroke:

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• Stop smoking: Studies confirm that smokers have a higher risk of stroke, regardless of other factors such as age, high blood pressure, or heart disease. The risk declines dramatically within a few years of giving up tobacco.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight is linked to high blood pressure, which puts added strain on the heart and blood vessels. Obesity also predisposes a person to heart disease and diabetes, both of which increase one's risk of stroke.
• Exercise regularly: The percentage of fat in our bodies tends to increase with age. Regular exercise helps keep this increase to a minimum. There appears to be an inverse relationship between exercise and atherosclerosis--i.e., more exercise is linked to lower levels of atherosclerosis. If you have not exercised regularly and would like to start an exercise program, or if you have medical problems or family history of serious disease, consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Experts recommend at least 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week in order to achieve and maintain an improved level of fitness.
• Reduce stress: Because stress may increase blood pressure, it is indirectly linked to stroke risk. A one-time stressful event rarely causes a stroke, but long-term unresolved stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Stress management, including relaxation techniques, biofeedback, exercise, and counseling, can--along with medication--reduce blood pressure, thus lowering the risk of stroke.

This section also discusses diet and stroke prevention.