How can you prevent a stroke?
Various risk factors favor a stroke. Some of them cannot be influenced, namely older age and a genetic predisposition. However, there are a number of risk factors that you can eliminate or at least reduce yourself.
Eat a healthy diet!
On the other hand, fat, sugar and salt should only be consumed in moderation. This keeps the vessels healthy and prevents “vascular calcification” (arteriosclerosis). This is a very effective stroke prevention, because blood clots form easily in “calcified” arteries, possibly clogging a brain vessel (or other vessels).
Make sure you get plenty of exercise and sport!
The important thing is that you like the sport and give it regular time. You don’t need to be at your best if you want to prevent a stroke. Moderate, but regular exercise is sufficient for stroke prevention.
Reduce excess weight!
This is especially true if the fat pads form mainly in the abdominal area and around the internal organs. Doctors call this fat distribution pattern the “apple type. But the “pear type” with fat pads preferentially on the hips, buttocks and thighs also promotes arteriosclerosis and thus a stroke.
Give up nicotine!
Smoking has many negative effects on health. Among other things, it increases the risk of stroke by two to four times! Giving up nicotine is therefore an important component of stroke prevention. If you can’t quit smoking on your own, ask your doctor for advice or join a support group.
Drink little or no alcohol!
If you have no other risk factors for stroke, small amounts of alcohol are considered acceptable for your health. Doctors recommend that:
- Women consume a maximum of 10 to 12 grams of pure alcohol per day, or about 0.3 liter of beer or 0.15 liter of wine.
- Men consume a maximum of 20 to 24 grams of alcohol per day. This is equivalent to about half a liter of beer or a quarter liter of wine.
Avoid stress!
Stress – even of an emotional nature – has serious health consequences in the long run. Among other things, it raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis. In addition, people under stress are more likely to resort to cigarettes or alcohol. All of these factors favor a stroke.
Consciously reduce disruptive stimuli such as constant radio chatter in the background at home or at work. Regular rest breaks in everyday life and relaxation techniques such as autogenic training also reduce stress or improve the way you deal with it, and are thus a valuable aid in preventing strokes.
Have underlying diseases treated!
Diseases such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, atrial fibrillation or diabetes have been shown to increase the risk of stroke. For prevention, it is advisable to treat such diseases. It is not only the doctor who is called upon to do this – you yourself also have the opportunity to make a contribution and should do so.
If an appropriate treatment plan already exists, make sure that you adhere to it and take prescribed medications properly.
