Stroke Prevention: Key Screenings and Health Measures to Reduce Your Risk

🧠 Understanding Stroke and Its Risk Factors

Stroke occurs when brain blood flow is blocked (ischemic stroke) or a vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Major risk factors include:

• High Blood Pressure: Increases arterial stress, making it the top stroke cause.
• High Cholesterol: Plaque buildup narrows arteries and restricts blood flow.
• Diabetes: Damages blood vessels, raising stroke risk.
• Smoking: Promotes clot formation and artery damage.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular heartbeat can send clots to the brain.

🩺 Essential Screenings for Stroke Prevention

1. Blood Pressure Check
   • Frequency: Annually for adults or more often for hypertensive individuals.
   • Target: Below 120/80 mmHg for optimal cardiovascular health.
2. Cholesterol Testing
   • Frequency: Every 4-6 years (or annually if risk factors exist).
   • Target: LDL <100 mg/dL and HDL >60 mg/dL.
3. Blood Sugar Testing
   • Frequency: Annual fasting glucose or HbA1c for those at risk.
   • Target: Fasting glucose <100 mg/dL; HbA1c <5.7%.
4. Carotid Ultrasound
   • Purpose: Identifies narrowing/blockages in carotid arteries.
   • Who Should Get It: Individuals with high stroke risk or family history.
5. Heart Health Evaluation (ECG/Echocardiogram)
   • Purpose: Detects AFib or conditions causing clots.
   • Who Should Get It: Those with arrhythmias or heart issues.
6. BMI & Waist Circumference
   • Frequency: Annually.
   • Target: BMI 18.5-24.9; waist <35 inches (women) and <40 inches (men).

🏃 Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Stroke

• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Emphasize fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, saturated fats, and processed foods.
• Exercise Regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week improves heart health.
• Quit Smoking: Seek cessation programs or nicotine therapies to reduce vascular damage.
• Limit Alcohol: Stick to one drink/day (women) and two drinks/day (men) to avoid hypertension.
• Manage Stress: Practice yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to control blood pressure.
• Monitor Sleep Health: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep; screen for sleep apnea if needed.

⚠️ Recognizing a Stroke: The FAST Method

• F: Face drooping – One side droops or feels numb.
• A: Arm weakness – One arm drifts downward when raised.
• S: Speech difficulty – Speech sounds slurred or strange.
• T: Time to call 911 – Seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion

Preventing stroke requires proactive steps: regular health screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and managing key risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Tools like Birthday.Health can provide personalized reminders for critical screenings—because prevention always beats treatment.

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