Are you at risk for Stroke or Brain Attack ?

RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE

Many factors increase the risk for stroke. Some factors can be controlled, while others cannot

• Strokes are four to six times more likely in people with high blood pressure.
• People with high cholesterol are at double the risk of having a stroke.
• Strokes are six times more likely to occur in people with heart disease.
• Excess weight can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, which can lead to a stroke.
• Heavy drinking increases the risk for stroke.
• Smokers have double the risk for stroke as nonsmokers.

STROKE PREVENTION

Healthy diet, exercise, controlling blood pressure and not smoking are cornerstones of stroke prevention

• Control your blood pressure.
• Find out if you have heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
• Don’t smoke.
• Find out if you have a diseased carotid artery
• Lower your cholesterol.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Control your weight.
• If you have diabetes, manage the disease.