People with healthy blood pressure which is less than 120/80 have about half that lifetime risk of strokes as those with high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, making them more susceptible to developing clots. Here are some ways to keep your blood pressure in the safe zone.
Exercise regularly. Exercise helps reduce blood pressure by making the heart stronger. And, the stronger the heart, the less effort it takes to pump blood around the body, so the lower the blood pressure. Physical activity can also help decrease the risk developing diabetes and control cholesterol levels, both of which up your chances of a stroke.
Drink moderately. Experts aren’t clear on why alcohol raises blood pressure and increase stroke risk, but research from Cincinnati has shown that having more than two drinks a day is associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a particularly deadly type of stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the surface of the brain; it tends to strike premenopausal women.
Control your weight. Gaining even 22 pounds, after the age of 18 is associated with increased risk of stroke.
Eat a healthy diet. Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise blood-cholesterol levels. Cholesterol tends to adhere to the arteries and blood tends to stick to those spots, increasing the risk of clotting. Excess sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, too. Eating five or more servings or fruits and vegetables a day may reduce stroke risk.
Stop smoking. Stroke risk decreases significantly two years after quitting and is at the level of non-smokers by five years. In fact, in recent study showed that women who smoke a pack a day are at increased risk of hypertension. The nicotine and carbon monoxide damage the cardiovascular system, leading to a higher risk of stroke.
Related posts:
Discussions