To hear boomers talk, their greatest health fear associated with aging is Alzheimer’s disease.
But these boomers are ignoring a health problem they can control, says Dr. Orly Avitzur, medical adviser to Consumer Reports Health and a neurologist.
“Stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States and a more common condition to have,” she says.
“A person can make profound lifestyle and medical changes that will reduce the risk of stroke by 80 percent.” Consumer Reports Health cites 11 strategies for stroke prevention as part of National Stroke Awareness Month in May.
Stroke is caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding around the brain. Both incidents cause brain cells to die. These medical and lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke:
Lower blood pressure. High blood pressure damages arteries so they clog or burst more easily, escalating the risk of both types of stroke: ischemic and the less common but deadlier hemorrhagic.
Improve cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol, a fatty substance in the blood, builds up plaque on artery walls, causing arteries to narrow.
Rein in diabetes. High blood-sugar levels damage blood vessels over time.
Consider low-dose aspirin. Aspirin wards off heart attack and stroke by preventing artery-blocking blood clots. But it’s not for everyone, so a physician should be consulted.
Have pulse checked. Arterial fibrillation, a heart- rhythm disorder, can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain, amplifying the risk of an ischemic stroke.
Neck surgery. Think twice because surgery to remove blockages in the neck arteries (or carotid arteries) can reduce stroke for those who have already had a stroke. But for those with a narrowed carotid artery that hasn’t triggered any symptoms, the risk of stroke is much lower and the benefit of surgery is small.
Follow a brain-healthy diet. Diet has a strong influence on an individual’s risk of stroke. In a study that assessed people’s consumption of fruits and vegetables, each extra daily serving reduced stroke risk by 6 percent. Other studies have linked high- potassium diets with lower stroke risk and sodium-heavy diets with higher risk.
Be physically active. Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, raises blood pressure.
Drink moderately. Drinking is associated with a 64 percent increase in the risk of stroke, raises blood pressure, promotes clot formation and increases the risk of arterial fibrillation. Light drinking appears to reduce stroke risk.
Quit smoking. If you think someone is having a stroke, remember to act F.A.S.T.
F — FACE — Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop?
A — ARMS — Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S — SPEECH —Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred?
T — TIME — If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.