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May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but many people are unaware of their individual risk factors. Understanding your risk of stroke is crucial for taking proactive steps to protect your health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. In this blog post, we'll explore common risk factors for stroke and ways to lower your risk.

Dr. Bendetowicz specializes in preventive care for his Concierge Membership patients. He takes the time to go over all of the known risk factors and simple ways to protect your health against a stroke.

What Is Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die within minutes. The effects of a stroke can be devastating, leading to permanent disability or death.

Know Your Risk Factors

One area of internist’s training is the identification and treatment of risk factors for stroke. Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing a stroke. These include:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated blood pressure is the single most important risk factor for stroke. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication can significantly reduce your risk.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of blood clots, raising the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your stroke risk.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke due to the impact of high blood sugar levels on blood vessels. Proper management of diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication is essential for stroke prevention.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing blood vessels and increasing the risk of stroke. Healthy eating habits and medication can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce stroke risk.
• Obesity and Physical Inactivity: Being overweight or obese and leading a sedentary lifestyle are associated with an increased risk of stroke. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are key components of stroke prevention.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can result in a stroke. Managing AFib with medication and other treatments can lower the risk of stroke.
• Family History of Stroke: A family history of stroke or certain genetic factors can contribute to an individual's risk. While you can't change your family history, you can modify other risk factors to reduce overall risk.

Take Action to Lower Your Risk

Fortunately, many risk factors for stroke are modifiable through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. One of the areas of Dr. Bendetowicz’s expertise is the prevention of risk factors for stroke. Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Manage Blood Pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly and work with your healthcare provider to keep it within a healthy range.
• Quit Smoking: Seek support and resources to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Control Diabetes: Follow your diabetes management plan, including monitoring blood sugar levels, eating a balanced diet, and taking prescribed medications.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting saturated fats, salt, and added sugars.
• Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a body mass index (BMI) within the healthy range for your age and height.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, limiting intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Follow Medical Advice: Take prescribed medications as directed, attend regular healthcare appointments, and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your health concerns.

Stroke is a preventable and treatable condition, but it requires awareness, education, and action. By knowing your risk factors and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke. During National Stroke Awareness Month and beyond, let's prioritize our brain health and work together to prevent stroke-related disabilities and deaths. Your health is in your hands – take control today by making an appointment. Call Dr. Bendetowicz, a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialist at 239-985-1050.