Strokes not only affect older adults but also young people. While strokes are more common among people aged 65 and older 10 to 15 percent of people who have strokes are between the ages of 18 and 50.
According to a recent study, stroke incidence increased among men aged 20 through 44 between the years 1993 and 2015.
While some stroke risk factors are out of your control, including your age, gender, race and family history, there are many other risk factors which you may be able to change, either on your own or with the help of a doctor.
Taking steps to modify the following risk factors may help decrease your risk of stroke in your 40s or beyond
1. High blood pressure.
High blood pressure (also known as Hypertension) is a common stroke risk factor and affects many adults. If you aren’t able to lower your blood-pressure levels on your own, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Lifestyle changes may help, such as eating a healthy, low-salt diet; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising on a consistent basis; quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake.
2. Diabetes.
Keeping your blood-sugar levels under control will help lower your stroke risk. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your diabetes, or you may be able to keep it under control with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss.
3. High cholesterol levels.
When your cholesterol levels are high, sticky plaque builds up on the inner walls of arteries, making it harder for blood to flow freely. When too much plaque builds up in arteries supplying blood to the brain or in large or small arteries within the brain, it may contribute to stroke. Managing your cholesterol levels with diet, exercise and medication should help you lower your stroke risk.
4. Smoking.
It is shown that cigarette smoking encourages the blockage of arteries supplying blood to the brain and in the large or small arteries within the brain, which increases stroke risk. Quitting smoking won’t just lower your stroke risk, it will improve your overall health in countless ways. Seek advice from your primary-care physician if you’d like to quit but you’re having trouble attempting it on your own.
5. “Heavy” drinking.
According to some research, drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day during middle age increases stroke risk more than other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Limiting the amount that you drink may help to lower your risk. The American Heart Association recommends no more than two drinks daily for men and no more than one drink daily for women.
6. Obesity.
Being very overweight can lead you to unhealthy chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, all of which raise your risk of stroke. Losing weight may help to lower your risk, even if you only lose 5 or 10 pounds.
7. Diet.
If your diet is high in saturated fat, you may have high cholesterol and an increased stroke risk. If you eat a salt-heavy diet, you may develop high blood pressure and increase your stroke risk. For better health, eat less salt and saturated fat, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Five or more servings every day may significantly cut your risk of stroke.
8. Physical inactivity.
People who are sedentary are more likely to be overweight or obese and have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol levels, which all increase stroke risk. Getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day may help to lower your risk. Moderate exercise may be as simple as having a brisk walk.
9. Too much stress.
Taking steps to lower your stress levels may lower your stroke risk, too. Try deep breathing, exercising regularly, listening to music you enjoy, talking to friends, and avoiding overly stressful situations.
Source: hackensackmeridianhealth.org
