Introduction
There are risk factors for a stroke that cannot be influenced. These include age and a certain genetic disposition. Beyond that there are however a multiplicity at factors of risk, which one can eliminate around a stroke to prevent.
The most important risk factor for a stroke is untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure. Furthermore, lack of exercise is one of the risk factors. Also predominance and an unhealthy nutrition fall under the influenceable factors of risk; likewise smoking as well as a increased blood sugar and blood fat values.
These risk factors are not only significant for the development of a stroke. They lead generally in the body to a Arteriosklerose, thus a calcification of the arteries. Beyond that this represents also the most frequent cause for a heart attack. For this reason, it is worthwhile for health reasons to eliminate or minimize these risk factors.
What are the possibilities?
There are various possibilities to eliminate the above mentioned risk factors. The most important risk factor is still high blood pressure (arterial hypertension). In addition to weight reduction, increased physical activity and a low-salt diet, drugs play an important role in lowering blood pressure.
After consultation with the family doctor or cardiologist, the appropriate medication can be determined individually for each patient. If one drug is not sufficient to lower blood pressure, a combination therapy can be used. This also applies to elevated blood lipid values (hypercholesterolemia), which are also a risk factor.
The LDL cholesterol level can often only be influenced insignificantly by diet. Often medication (e.g. statins) must be taken. Furthermore, it is important to suggest a lifestyle change to the patient.
More exercise and a balanced diet are the basis for permanent weight reduction. This does not have a positive effect on the blood sugar level, for example. Last but not least one should also pay attention to nicotine consumption. In the best case a cessation of smoking should be aimed at. A reduction of the daily cigarette quantity is to be emphasized however already as positive.
