Stroke

Brain Attack/Stroke: Staying Healthy

Take heart in the fact that, while it's a serious disorder, brain attack-or stroke-is much more avoidable and treatable than ever before. Medical science continues to discover and innovate new ways to reduce risk factors, improve outcomes and partially or fully rehabilitate brain attack patients.

You can do your part, too. Learn to recognize the symptoms and take immediate action when you think you or someone close to you is suffering a brain attack. Time makes all the difference. You can reduce your risks of brain attack in the following ways:

Keep your weight under control-Excess weight can lead to brain attack. If overweight, let your doctor put you on a weight-loss program that's right for you.
Watch your diet-An increase in HDL cholesterol, also known as "good cholesterol," can help protect against stroke, while high LDL counts-the "bad cholesterol"-can increase the risk. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist for dietary advice.
Control your blood pressure-High blood pressure, or hypertension increases the risk. If already under a doctor's care, remember to take your medication, if any, and follow your doctor's advice. Maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, avoid salt, keep your weight down, and avoid drugs known to raise blood pressure. Even a minor reduction of blood pressure can lower your risk for brain attack by as much as 35%-40%.

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Last Reviewed: Jun 23, 2005

Joseph P Broderick, MD
Professor and Chairman
Director, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Team
Department of Neurology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati

Dennis Landis, MD
Professor
Department of Neurology
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University