Doctors remind us that stroke can happen at any age, but the risk increases dramatically under the influence of certain lifestyle factors. About a quarter of adults will experience it during their lifetime, but this can be avoided if you monitor your own health.
Neurologists have named five main factors that significantly increase the likelihood of stroke:
Heart disease: Atrial fibrillation, valve problems, or fatty plaque buildup in blood vessels can block blood flow to the brain. Early medication can help minimize these risks.
High blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading cause of stroke. It weakens blood vessels, causing them to rupture or form clots.
Diabetes. Excess glucose damages the walls of blood vessels, contributes to atherosclerosis and increased blood pressure, creating the prerequisites for a brain disaster.
Being overweight: Obesity is usually accompanied by high cholesterol and glucose levels, which negatively affect the heart and brain.
Smoking. Nicotine raises blood pressure and makes the blood thicker, which increases the risk of dangerous blood clots.
Doctors emphasize that all of these factors can be controlled. Regular medication, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, proper nutrition, physical activity, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the likelihood of stroke.
