Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke.

About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. It reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older.

Leading Causes

Leading causes of stroke are:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes

One in three U.S. adults has at least one of these conditions. Fortunately, up to 80% of strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes and medical management.

Are You at Risk?

Risk factors are personal traits and lifestyle choices that may lead to stroke if not appropriately managed. Certain risk factors are out of your control:

• Age: Stroke risk increases with age.
• Gender: Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.
• Family history: Genetics can play a role in your risk for stroke. Having a close relative who has suffered a stroke puts you at higher risk.
• Race/ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk for stroke.

But some risk factors can be modified. Your health care provider can help you control:

• High blood pressure: This is the leading cause of stroke. Regular monitoring and management are crucial. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the body’s blood vessels. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can more than double your risk of stroke.
• Heart disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation can lead to strokes. Atrial Fibrillation increases the risk of stroke five times.
• High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries, increasing stroke risk.
• Obesity: Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight is linked to several stroke risk factors including higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
• Sleep apnea: Irregular breathing during sleep contributes to the risk of stroke.

Reduce Your Risk

Lifestyle choices affect your likelihood of stroke. Manage your day-to-day decisions wisely and create healthy habits.

• Smoking and vaping: Smoking can cause damage within the blood vessels that can significantly increase the risk for stroke. If you smoke, seek help to quit.
• Alcohol consumption: Moderation is key. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one.
• Diet: Healthy eating is important. Eating a diet low in saturated fats and trans fats, and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit salt intake, sugary drinks and fried foods.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
• Sleep: Adequate, regular sleep promotes good health. Strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly.
• Stress: Increased stress may lead to behaviors such as overeating or unhealthy eating, sleep deprivation, smoking and alcohol consumption. All of these increase the risk of stroke.
• Manage medical conditions: Work with your health care team to control conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Take your medications as prescribed and see your physician regularly for health screenings.

Understanding and managing these risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

Know the Signs

Most importantly, know the signs and symptoms of stroke and when to seek help. Remember the acronym, BE FAST:

• Balance loss
• Eyesight changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

For more detailed information, visit American Stroke Association.