Can Diet and Exercise Reduce
Your Stroke Risk?

A Healthy Lifestyle Can Positively Affect One’s Stroke Risk

When it comes to a person’s risk of stroke, leading a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact. A nutritious diet, regular exercise routine, and stress reduction are all great ways to stay healthy and avoid damaging strokes. However, some people may still need additional treatment, such as medication and surgery, to maintain good health.

Ways to Lower Your Risk of Having a Stroke

While your doctor can provide specific tips on managing your risk of stroke, here are some general steps that can help:

• Address Existing Medical Conditions – Properly managing heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can lower your chances of a serious medical event in the future. 

• Stop Smoking – Smoking causes major damage to blood vessels throughout the body. This can lead to the formation of a clot or weakening of the vessels. If you currently smoke, take the proper steps to quit now. 

• Limit Consumption of Alcohol – Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure, which can also weaken blood vessels. For most healthy adults, the daily limit on alcohol should be two or fewer drinks. 

• Eat Healthy Foods – Focus your diet on whole foods and avoid processed foods with high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. 

• Exercise Regularly – Daily physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which also lowers your stroke risk.

These steps are especially important if you have experienced a stroke in the past or if you have a higher stroke risk due to factors like high blood pressure and heart disease. In either case, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice for the best possible outcome.