Risk Factors and Prevention of Strokes in Seniors

Senior Care in Raleigh, NC – Find out more about Preventing Strokes through Diet and Exercise Strokes can be dangerous but knowing the warning signs and risk factors can help prevent strokes from occurring. Strokes are among the highest causes of disabilities and are number four on the list of causes of death for seniors in the United States. The cause of strokes is due to either blocked arteries or hemorrhaging, which causes brain cells lose oxygen, leading to brain damage.

Dying brain cells can affect certain functions such as speech, movement, and memory. It is possible for people to fully recover from a stroke but the majority are left with some kind of disability.

If your loved one is worried about having a stroke, advise them to speak to their doctor about their concerns, and consider the  list of factors that can increase strokes when making lifestyle choices. You can also provide support as the family caregiver by helping them create a healthy meal plan and encourage them to do light exercises, if they are capable. If you don’t feel you can do this, considering non-medical in-home care services to assist your loved one with cooking healthy meals and staying active can be a great option.

Factors that Can Increase the Risk of Strokes

There is a variety of major risk factors with the potential to contribute to a stroke.

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Depression

• High blood pressure

• Stress

• Lack of physical activity

• Heart problems

• High cholesterol

• Poor diet

Best Ways to Prevent Strokes

While this list can be overwhelming, there are ways to help prevent a stroke from occurring. These are some steps a person can take to avoid having a stroke.

1. Eating a healthier diet can greatly reduce the chances of having a stroke as well as engaging in regular physical activity. One diet that is recommended is the Mediterranean diet. This diet focuses on beneficial oils like canola and olive oil, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans, and small amounts of lean meats.

2. Don’t smoke. For anyone that is having a difficult time quitting, speaking to a healthcare professional about what options or tools are available can be helpful. It has been determined that people who smoke are six times more likely to suffer from a stroke.

3. Regulating blood pressure is very important. If a person has a hard time controlling their blood pressure there are two tests that can be done, aldosterone and plasma renin. Having these blood tests done will result in finding the correct treatment. These tests will determine if medication is necessary to maintain a healthy blood pressure level, or if it’s possible for diet and exercise changes to lower it.

While many illnesses are not preventable, strokes can be avoided. Taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the risks can lower the chances of a person suffering from a stroke. Extra prevention can be found by speaking to a healthcare professional.

The articles posted on this blog are provided for general information and discussion purposes only.  These articles are not intended to suggest anything with respect to the operations or services of this office.