Comprehensive Guide To Stroke Prevention

Stay Active

Prevention of a stroke can be achieved if an individual makes sure to stay active in combination with a healthy weight and blood pressure control. Several mechanisms are behind regular physical activity reducing the risk of having a stroke. Physical activity promotes the increase of a type of cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that helps the body eliminate the bad kind of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Less LDL cholesterol helps prevent the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels that can lead to emboli in blood circulation. Staying active also promotes a healthy weight and body mass index, which also increases an individual's risk of having a stroke. Regular physical activity can decrease an individual's blood pressure and promote healthy heart function. Diabetes is another factor that increases an individual's risk of having a stroke. Regular exercise can help a patient manage their blood sugar better regardless of their status regarding diabetes or prediabetes. To prevent a stroke, individuals should exercise at a moderate level for a minimum of 150 minutes per week.

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Reduce Stress

An individual who wants to prevent a stroke should do their best to reduce stress by avoiding stressful situations and learning how to cope with stress healthily. Stress triggers the release of two hormones in the body that provoke numerous physiological changes meant to prepare an individual for a threat. Cortisol is a hormone that causes an individual's body to keep more sodium and fluid to elevate blood pressure. Adrenaline is another hormone released when an individual becomes stressed that causes an increase in their heart rate and blood pressure levels. This mechanism is helpful in situations where an actual physical threat is present, but it is counterintuitive when an individual is trying to relax and unwind from a long and exhausting day. Stressful situations and chronic stress cause long-term hypertension, which is the most significant risk factor a patient can have for a stroke. Learning methods on how to cope with stress healthily, and avoiding stressful situations can help an individual prevent a stroke that may occur as a result of this process. Many individuals learn yoga or another form of meditation that has been known to help decrease stress.

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