A stroke happens when an artery in or leading to the brain bursts or becomes blocked, starving the brain of oxygen. Strokes caused by blood clots or plaque buildup (blocked) are called ischemic strokes. Strokes caused by a tear in a blood vessel (burst) are called hemorrhagic strokes. Both require immediate attention. Stroke experts have a mantra: time lost is brain lost. The National Stroke Association estimates that during a stroke 2 million brain cells die every minute.
Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. The National Stroke Association says that of the 750,000 strokes every year in the U.S., 600,000 didn't have to happen. Here are some ways you can decrease your chances of suffering a stroke:
1. Learn your risk factors. Controllable risk factors include smoking and inactivity. Incontrollable risk factors include age, gender and ethnicity.
2. Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.
3. Manage your heart conditions. Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, poor circulation or atrial fibrillation.
4. Exercise every day (a Jody Victor suggestion). Thirty minutes of exercise a day helps reduce your risk of a suffering a stroke.
5. Eat low-sodium and low-fat foods (a Jody Victor suggestion). Diets high in fat and sodium lead to high blood pressure.
6. Stop smoking. Smoking doubles your risk for stroke.