Strokes occur when a blood vessel becomes blocked or bursts. Strokes are scary because they are often unpredictable.? The?good news?is that??strokes can be prevented.? A ?heart-friendly? lifestyle can cut your risk of having a stroke.
There is?common problem found?in people over 65 that?can lead to a stroke.? This?condition is?referred to as a ?atrial fibrillation,?which occurs when the upper heart chambers of the atria don?t beat in coordination with the rest of the heart.
People who have atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, have a five times higher?chance of developing a stroke. Many seniors are not even?aware that they have this condition.? Symptoms can include a rapid pulse or feeling like your heart is pounding, dizziness, confusion, fainting, fatigue.? There is a chance that you may have?no?symptoms at all.? Atrial fibrillation can?increase the chances of developing a?blood clot. The?treatment used?prevent this condition?includes medication to thin the blood and/or slow the heart rate.
In order to lower your risk of developing this condition, you should?quit smoking and exercise!? People who have exercised prior to a having a stroke tend to have less severe strokes and better prospects for long-term recovery.
The following lifestyle changes?can help?reduce stroke risk by up to 80%:
- Start exercising daily
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Consume a healthy diet
- Maintain a normal body weight
Americans consume an average of 1.5 teaspoons of salt a?day,?which is?twice the amount recommended; a major risk factor for stroke.?Excess salt drives up blood pressure. Consuming a lot of salt more than doubles the risk of stroke. The solution: eat ?white fleshed? fruits and vegetables: apples, pears, bananas, cauliflower, cucumber, garlic, and onions. They contain antioxidants that help prevent stroke or lessen the effects of a stroke.
A Specialty Care Services?professional home care nurse/caregiver can assist in the preparation of?healthy meals and snacks for their patients and their?families. These type of meals will?help?to prevent strokes.