By Family Features | Contributor
Women encounter specific risk factors for strokes throughout their lives, a reality that might not be widely recognized. Factors such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, and chronic stress can lead to hypertension, a significant contributor to strokes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke, is the leading cause of mortality among women, with 1 in 5 women likely to experience a stroke. Fortunately, the majority of strokes are preventable.
Becoming aware of your personal risk factors is essential for stroke prevention and enhancing overall well-being. Begin your journey to manage stroke risk with these insightful recommendations from the American Stroke Association, part of the American Heart Association:
Keep Track of Your Blood Pressure
Understanding your blood pressure is critical to lowering your stroke risk. High blood pressure is recognized by the American Heart Association as the top preventable stroke risk factor.
To stay informed about your blood pressure, visit a healthcare professional at least annually for a measurement, and consider monitoring it regularly at home. Generally, a normal reading is 120/80 mm HG or lower.
In addition to regular monitoring, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, adhering to a balanced diet, and minimizing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use can assist in blood pressure control. If high blood pressure occurs, collaborate with your healthcare provider to create an effective management plan.
Prepare for Pregnancy
The prevalence of high blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in the United States, as reported by the CDC, along with other medical conditions such as preeclampsia and blood clots that elevate stroke risk during and shortly after pregnancy.
Addressing high blood pressure prior to conception is crucial for safeguarding both your health and that of your baby throughout pregnancy and after. Monitoring your health during and right after pregnancy can also influence the long-term well-being of you and your child. If you’re planning to conceive or are currently expecting, it’s vital to keep track of your blood pressure regularly.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
While some stress is a natural part of life, chronic stress can have detrimental effects. Ongoing stress may contribute to high blood pressure and lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, thereby heightening stroke risk.
A survey titled Stress in America 2020, conducted by the American Psychological Association, identified financial concerns, work obligations, family duties, and health issues as primary stressors. Managing stress, alongside blood pressure, plays a significant role in improving your overall health. Take control of your time and incorporate moments into your day to focus on yourself. Consider dedicating 10 minutes daily to activities that nourish your spirit, such as listening to music, meditating, or enjoying a walk.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Strokes can occur at any age and prompt attention may lessen their long-term impacts or even save a life. Familiarize yourself with the F.A.S.T warning signs to identify a stroke:
- Face drooping – Observe if one side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile; is the smile asymmetrical?
- Arm weakness – Check if one arm feels weak or numb. Request that the person raise both arms; does one arm drop?
- Speech difficulty – Listen for slurred speech or if the person struggles to articulate or is hard to understand. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The sky is blue.”
- Time to call 911 – If any of these indicators are present, even if symptoms subside, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance. Note the time at which symptoms first appeared.
Consult with your doctor regarding ways to enhance your overall wellness and minimize stroke risk. For additional health tips, visit stroke.org.
Editor’s Note: This content is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not offer medical or other professional guidance.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
