Early Detection
A stroke is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems. Some risk factors are controllable and others (such as age, family history, race and sex) are not. Help reduce your stroke risk:
- Get regular medical check-ups.
- Know the warning signs of a stroke. If you or someone near you shows these signs, call 911 right away.
- Follow your doctor’s medication and treatment orders carefully, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Don’t change, add or stop medication without talking to your doctor.
- If you have atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), work with your doctor to control it.
- Stop smoking.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Control your weight.
- Manage diabetes.
- Check and control your cholesterol levels.
- Follow a healthy eating plan, including monitoring sodium intake.
- Get regular exercise.
- Learn to manage stress.
- Talk to your doctor about using birth control pills with caution, especially if you smoke or have migraine headaches.