-
Mayo Clinic Minute: How to reduce your stroke risk
Share this:
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, but Mayo Clinic health care professionals suggest spotting the signs and reducing stroke risk should be part of everyday awareness. A stroke happens every 40 seconds in the U.S., and the likelihood of stroke increases with age, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (1:00) is in the downloads at the end of the post. Please "Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. with almost 800,000 cases diagnosed each year.
"Stroke can happen at pretty much any age, depending on the underlying circumstances," says Dr. David Miller, director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
Stroke results from a blocked or torn blood vessel that decreases blood flow to the brain. Signs include difficulty with speech; moving an arm or leg on one side of the body; and facial asymmetry, like drooping.
"There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of stroke. Probably the No. 1 thing is to control your blood pressure," says Dr. Miller.
It's important to know your numbers and work with your health care team to lower your blood pressure if it's too high. If you smoke, quit. And take steps to improve your heart health, such as exercising regularly and following a diet that's low in saturated fats and rich in fruits and vegetables.
"Keep the vessels that provide blood to your heart and the lungs to provide blood to your brain very healthy and very happy," says Dr. Miller.
Related articles:
- "Mayo Clinic Minute: Think 'FAST' to recognize a stroke."
- "Mayo Clinic Minute: What women should know about stroke."
- "Mayo Clinic Minute: The dangers of hypertension in young adults."
For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.
Share this:
Related articles
Most people spend a third of their lives either asleep or resting, according to the Sleep Foundation. During sleep, the body recharges and repairs itself. ...
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I recently began experiencing swelling in my legs, feet and hands, as well as fatigue. Testing led to a diagnosis of pericardial constriction. ...
Salt substitutes can be an effective way to help lower your blood pressure and fight heart disease. But experts warn that overuse of certain salt ...