Strokes are one of the most dangerous health problems you can face, and they are becoming more and more common. While strokes used to be reserved for elderly patients and those in exceptionally poor health, strokes are becoming more common in people younger than 40.

 Since strokes are still less common than heart attacks, some people do not know the signs to look out for to detect a stroke. To protect yourself from this health threat, follow these tips to prevent a stroke and preserve your brain function.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

 Statistically, those who are overweight are more likely to suffer a stroke than those who are at a healthy weight. The right weight for you depends on your bone structure, your metabolism, and your activity level.

 To maintain a healthy weight, start getting more active. Even going for short walks can reduce your stroke risk.

Minimize Alcohol Intake

 Drinking is one behavior that is almost always harmful. One glass of red wine every now and then can be beneficial to your health, thanks to the antioxidants that it contains. However, unless you are enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner, stay away from alcohol.

Avoid High Blood Sugar

As is the case with high blood pressure, high blood sugar can really boost your risk of suffering a stroke. If you have diabetes or just high blood sugar, make sure that you monitor it. By monitoring your blood sugar, you can make appropriate changes to your lifestyle to keep it low.

 You may control your blood sugar through exercise and a low sugar diet.

Baby Aspirin

 If you have heart issues or cholesterol issues, baby aspirin may reduce your risk of stroke. Typically, this regimen involves taking baby aspirin every day. However, this does come with side effects, so contact your doctor before making any changes to your medications.

Keep Your Blood Pressure Low

 When it comes to preventing stroke, your blood pressure is one of the most important factors in your health high blood pressure significantly increases your risk of suffering a stroke.

 Luckily, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your blood pressure. Exercise, which you should already be doing as part of number one on this list, is important. You should also avoid smoking and cut high cholesterol foods out of your diet.

Stop Smoking

 Like alcohol, smoking is a habit that is always harmful. There is literally no reason for you to still be smoking. Drop the cigarettes today. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor, not only in terms of stroke prevention, but also in terms of lung health and heart health.

Watch for Signs of Atrial Fibrillation

 An irregular heartbeat can cause irregularities in blood flow, which obviously makes it more likely that you’ll suffer a stroke. If you get strange symptoms like shortness of breath or random increases in your heart rate, see medical professional. An atrial fibrillation may be to blame, and treating it is imperative to your health.

Sources:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke

http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/14584489

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=189197

http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/42/2/517.full.pdf

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