Tips to reducing your chance of a stroke

Keep an eye out for high blood pressure

Half of all strokes are linked to high blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure and keeping it under control with lifestyle changes or medication will reduce your risk of a stroke. 

Try to exercise 5 times per week

Over one third of all stroke happen to people who don't get enough exercise - 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise five times per week will reduces your chances.

This might not always seem achievable but fast-paced walks on your lunch break count as exercising. 

Eat a healthy and balanced diet

Almost a quarter of all stroke are linked to poor diet. Eating a diet high in fresh fruit and veggies and deceasing the amount of processed food you eat will reduce your risk of stroke. 

Say yes to fresh!

Keep your cholesterol low

More than 1 in 4 stroke are linked to high levels of bad cholesterol. Eating foods that are low in saturated fats and exercise will help to reduce your cholesterol levels and risk of stroke.

If you can maintain a healthy cholesterol level with lifestyle changes, your doctor may advice medication to help. 

Maintain a healthy wait

Almost 1 in 5 stroke are linked to being overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy boy mas index (BMI) or Hip to Wait Ratio will help yu reduce your risk of stroke. 

Stop smoking and avoid smokey places

Almost 1 in 10 are linked t smoking. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk of stroke and the risks of people who live around you. Getting help to quit will help your chances to quit for good.

Shrink the amount of alcohol you drink

Over 1 million strokes each year are linked to the excessive alcohol consumption. If you drink, try to keep to a limit of 1-2 units of alcohol a day. 

Identify and treat atrial fibrillation

People with Atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, are 5x more likely to have a stroke than the general population.

If you are over 50, talk to your doctor about an AF screening. If you have AF, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help reduce your risk. 

Manage diabetes 

If you are diabetic you are at higher risk of a stroke. Diabetes and stroke also share a number of risk factors, including diet and exercise. If you have diabetes talk to your doctor about how yo reduce your stroke risk. 

Manage stress and depression

Almost 1 in 6 stroke are linked to mental well-being. Managing stress, depression, anger and anxiety are all important to reducing stroke risk.