Stroke Prevention, Unblocked
If you think strokes only have to do with your neurological health, you’re missing a big part of the picture. The reality is that strokes start with blockages in your arteries and veins, which are near your heart. It’s no surprise then that stroke and heart disease share many of the same risk factors.
“Strokes occur when the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off or reduced because of a lack of blood flow to the brain,” says Victor Aletich, MD, Director of Endovascular Neurosurgery on staff at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. “The result is a neurological condition, but it’s caused by problems in your veins and arteries.”
Most strokes are ischemic strokes, which are the result of blocked arteries (atherosclerosis) or clots that originate elsewhere, like your heart. When that clot starts to move, it pushes into the narrow arteries in your brain and causes arterial fibrillation. “The most common disruptions for your bloodstream are caused by plaque in the arteries or an irregular heartbeat,” says Dr. Aletich.
Timely treatment is essential
The conventional wisdom is that strokes happen out of the blue. While that’s partially true – some people experience a sudden, severe headache – there are less well-known symptoms that point to a stroke occurring.
“Many people do have warning signs before they have a stroke,” Dr. Aletich says. “It’s important to recognize the warning signs and, if you experience them, see a doctor right away.” Doctors have about three and a half hours to administer medication and start emergency procedures, if necessary.
Dr. Aletich urges you to call 9-1-1 if you experience:
• Dizziness
• Numbness in the arms or legs
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Inability to describe what is happening (aphasia)
Protect your heart to help prevent strokes
Since strokes are intimately related to your cardiovascular health, adopting a heart healthy lifestyle can go a long way to reducing your risk for stroke, too.
“Quitting smoking and keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure in check are the best ways to decrease your chances for having a stroke,” Dr. Aletich says.
Other ways you can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease include:
• Avoiding second hand smoke.
• Increasing your physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times per week.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Make sure you’re getting five servings every day.
• Reducing the amount of sodium you eat.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. A BMI of 25 or above is considered overweight.
If you’re at increased risk – being over age 55, or having a family history of strokes – your doctor may add blood-thinning medication to your prevention regimen.
The good news, according to Dr. Aletich, is that more Americans are being proactive about their cardiovascular health. For those who do suffer strokes, advancements in treatment such as minimally invasive catheter insertion, mean more people are surviving strokes with fewer complications than in the past.
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