How you Can Prevent A Second Stroke
Lifestyle Tips
A stroke can be a
devastating experience. Surviving it can be a powerful motivation to make
lasting positive changes in your life. Take charge of your future by following
these recommendations. If you've had a stroke, preventing a second stroke is a
top priority. "The risk of a stroke is tenfold higher in someone who has
had a stroke in the past," Prevention of a second stroke starts by
addressing conditions that caused the first stroke, such as atrial fibrillation
(an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause blood to clot) or narrowing of a
carotid artery in the neck.
Treatment is also
aimed at other factors that put you at risk, including high blood pressure,
diabetes, and high cholesterol. But it takes more than just your doctor's
efforts. You also have an important role to play in preventing stroke. It's up
to you to make lifestyle changes that can lower your risk. Prescription for
Recurrent Stroke Prevention Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants are medicines
that can help reduce the risk of a second an ischemic stroke. These medicines
interfere with the blood's clotting action so that clots can't form and cause a
stroke. There are several types of blood thinners available, and your doctor
will choose one based on your medical history, your health conditions, and the
potential for side effects. For example, people with a bleeding disorder may
not be able to take aspirin. When you use these medications, it's important to
take them as prescribed. Even if you've taken aspirin in the past for pain
relief, do not take more than your doctor recommends. Also, ask about potential
interactions. For instance, the most commonly used anticoagulant, warfarin, can
be affected by other drugs and by foods, such as green leafy vegetables, which
are high in vitamin K. Keep Blood Pressure Low: High blood pressure exerts
continuous pressure on the walls of the arteries. If it is left untreated, it
damages and weakens your arteries, making them more likely to clog or burst and
cause a stroke. Hypertension is the biggest contributing risk factor to stroke.
You Can Quit Smoking if you are a smoker: Quitting cigarette smoking is an
important step you can take to reduce your risk of a second stroke. And the
benefits come quickly -- just five years after you stop smoking, your risk for
stroke will be the same as that of a nonsmoker. Cigarette smoking is one of the
biggest contributing risk factors to stroke. "There's no question that
quitting smoking is extraordinarily difficult,". But if you've tried to
quit before and failed, don't despair. According to a Gallup poll, former
smokers needed an average of six attempts before they stopped smoking for good.
So the more you try, the better your chance of succeeding. Making lifestyle
changes that reduce your stroke risk will also help you manage your blood
pressure. You will also need to take blood pressure medicine every day. Be sure
to talk with your doctor if you notice any side effects. But don't stop taking
medication unless directed to do so. Ask your doctor what your target blood
pressure should be. Using a home blood pressure monitor can help you track your
pressure and know if your medication is working.
By...Belinda Yeboah
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