By DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick on Sep 3, 2013, at 2:21 AM Updated on 9/03/13 at 5:30 AM
Dear Doctor K: I'm a woman in my 60s. A good friend recently had a serious stroke. Is there anything she could have done to prevent it?
Dear Reader: Some strokes come out of the blue; they can't be predicted or prevented. However, most strokes occur in people who have "risk factors" such as an unhealthy lifestyle or a medical condition that is not being adequately treated.
What happens in a stroke? The blood supply to a part of the brain suddenly is lost. Unless that blood supply is restored, a part of the brain dies. Without a regular supply of oxygen - and nutrient - rich blood, brain cells cannot remain alive.
The most common cause of a stroke is a sudden blockage in an artery. It's called an ischemic (iss-KEE-mic) stroke. A buildup of fat in the wall of a brain artery (a plaque of atherosclerosis) can cause a blockage. A clot traveling through blood can get wedged in the artery.
Less often, a stroke occurs when an artery in the brain bursts, causing a hemorrhage. This, too, severely damages a part of the brain.
There are many things people can - and should - do to reduce their stroke risk:
Lower blood pressure Maintain a blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg. Reduce salt in your diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. If needed, take blood pressure medicines.
Lose weight If you're overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact.
Exercise more Exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.
Drink in moderation Moderate alcohol intake lowers the risk of stroke. Women can have one drink per day; men can have up to two.
Take medicines your doctor has recommended for heart and blood vessel conditions For example, a daily baby aspirin or a blood thinner for atrial fibrillation, or sugar-lowering medicines if you have diabetes.
Quit smoking Smoking accelerates clot formation.
Write Dr. K at
www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
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