Certain people experience a stroke every five minutes, making it a main cause of death, as well as a leading cause of disability among those who survive.
A stroke is when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced, says Dr Angela Rai, GP.
There are two main types of strokes. An ischaemic stroke is when blood flow is blocked to the brain, usually due to a clot and the brain does not get enough oxygen, and cells die, and haemorrhagic stroke is when there is a bleed in the brain. Most strokes tend to be ischaemic and are linked with certain risk factors, says Dr. Rai.
It isn’t always possible to prevent a stroke, as some risk factors cannot be changed. This includes age – most strokes happen in individuals in their 60s and 70s, although anyone can potentially be affected – as well as genetics, family history, and ethnicity. Stroke risk is usually higher in African, South Asian, or Caribbean communities. Certain other health conditions may also be related to stroke.
However, there are things we can do to help reduce the risk, especially when it comes to managing and preventing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,and high cholesterol, which are all the main risk factors.
Lower your stroke risk at every age
In your 20s and 30s
Even though stroke is extremely uncommon in our 20s and 30s, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle to lessen risks of developing high cholesterol or high blood pressure later on in life, says Dr Rai. For stroke, high blood pressure is a major risk factor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can keep your blood pressure under control and therefore lessen the risk.
Lifestyle factors can influence the risk of stroke
Creating healthy lifestyle habits doesn’t have to mean going to extremes, however. Dr Rai suggests, eating healthy and having a diet lower in sodium, fat, and sugar can reduce the risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Exercising regularly, drinking alcohol sensibly within the recommended guidelines, and avoiding smoking.
Being mindful of salt intake is very important when it comes to stroke. So, keep an eye on ready-made foods, processed foods, and takeaways, as these usually contain lots of hidden salt. As professor Graham MacGregor, chairman of Action on Salt and Blood Pressure, says, half of all heart diseases and strokes are due to high blood pressure, which can easily be reduced, mostly by reducing your salt intake, doing more exercise, consuming more fruit and vegetables and, if necessary, taking tablets which have fewer side effects.
In your 40s and 50s
The same healthy lifestyle rules apply to all ages and those healthy habits recommended in your 20s and 30s are very important as you enter midlife. However, there may also be some added considerations.
Later on, in our 40s and 50s, it becomes more important to see your GP to have your blood pressure checked, says Dr Rai or you can also get it checked for free in certain pharmacies. High blood pressure may not have any symptoms and may not be noticed for many years.
Having blood tests, such as cholesterol levels and glucose checks for diabetes can help manage risk factors. Many other blood markers are useful for assessing cardiovascular risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important, as obesity is a risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. And following the guidance of your medical practitioner, including lifestyle changes and taking medication to reduce blood pressure or cholesterol if needed.
Keeping stress levels in check may become increasingly important during this life chapter, especially if working long hours, juggling caring responsibilities, and financial pressures. Dr Rai also says, staying active and reducing stress are very important throughout life, but during these decades are even more important when you have a busy lifestyle. So, make self-care and time to switch off and recharge part of your priorities list.
In your 60s and beyond
One of the key things as we enter our 60s, 70s, and 80s is making sure any co-existing health issues are being well controlled.
Getting regular health checks is important
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is another important risk factor for stroke. This is a quick, irregular heartbeat that is generally diagnosed after the age of 60, but can affect anyone at any age, says Dr Rai. AF occurs due to an aging cardiovascular system and the risk factors related to poor cardiovascular health. The chambers of the heart do not pumpefficiently and there is a risk of blood clots forming. If these clots travel into the general circulation, there is a risk of stroke.
AF increases the risk of stroke by around five times; therefore, it is important if you have any symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, or palpitation, then you should seek medical attention.
However, many individuals do not have any symptoms and it may only be picked up on routine examination. Treatment includes medication to reduce the risk of clots, as well as medication to control the heart rate.
