10 warning signs of a high risk of stroke
People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, drink excessive alcohol, or are obese are at a higher risk of stroke if they do not control their condition or give up their bad habits.
While there's no way to be certain whether a person will or will never have a stroke in their lifetime, there are signs that indicate a higher risk of serious stroke in some individuals that shouldn't be ignored. In these cases, regular health checkups and treatment of underlying conditions are necessary to prevent a sudden stroke.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is a common risk factor for stroke. Regularly monitoring cholesterol levels and keeping them within normal ranges helps reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. The optimal cholesterol level for both men and women over 20 years old is 125 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL. Your doctor can guide you in developing a diet to help lower your cholesterol. Besides diet, several factors can affect cholesterol levels, including genetics.
High blood pressure
Consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for stroke. Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, taken at a clinic. However, high blood pressure can be controlled with medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments such as stress reduction and smoking cessation. You should see your doctor for blood pressure monitoring and appropriate control measures. When blood pressure is not high, the risk of stroke is reduced.
 |
| If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg, it needs to be controlled to prevent stroke. (Image: Freepik) |
High blood sugar
Fluctuating blood sugar levels, chronically high blood sugar, or uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke. People who regularly have high blood sugar should monitor it regularly at home and manage it through diet or medication if necessary. Those with diabetes should aim to keep their fasting blood sugar levels between 80-130 mg/dL and below 180 mg/dL about 1-2 hours after meals.
Smoking
Smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke can cause coronary heart disease and stroke. Smoking increases triglycerides in the blood, decreases good cholesterol (HDL), makes blood thicker and more prone to clotting, which can hinder blood flow to the heart and brain, increases plaque buildup, causing thickening and narrowing of blood vessels...
Smoking is a hard habit to break. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quitting smoking is crucial for stroke prevention because it significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Not exercising regularly
Many people are too lazy to exercise. Some only start exercising when they feel body aches, but this activity is crucial for improving overall cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of stroke. Whether you are healthy or have had a severe stroke, there are safe exercises to help improve your health while reducing the risk of or preventing a recurrence of stroke.
Drinking too much alcohol
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a healthy alcohol intake of one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. However, drinking more than that can increase blood pressure and triglycerides. This can contribute to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of stroke.
Obesity
If you are obese, you are at increased risk of stroke and other health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Steps you can take to lose excess weight will reduce your risk of disease. So, control your weight by starting to eat healthier and exercise more.
No medication
Most stroke risk factors from underlying conditions can be controlled, but patients must take their medication regularly, correctly, and undergo regular health checkups. You should pay attention to and take care of your health because well-controlled diseases are essential for overall health and minimizing complications.
People with heart disease
If you experience shortness of breath while walking or exerting yourself, or if you have chest pain, you should seek medical attention. Heart disease is a major risk factor for stroke, and any form of chest pain is a cause for concern. A doctor can help you identify the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment to reduce heart disease and the risk of stroke, which can occur at any time.
Transient ischemic attack
Most people won't recognize a transient ischemic attack (TIA). You should take the time to learn about the symptoms of a TIA, such as confusion, dizziness, double vision, memory loss, paralysis, difficulty speaking and swallowing, tingling, changes in vision, and difficulty walking. These symptoms usually disappear in less than 10 minutes.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you need to see a doctor immediately because TIA is the biggest warning sign that a person is at risk of stroke.
