How to Lower Your Risk of Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every six cardiovascular-related deaths involves a stroke. It's a troublesome medical emergency that's characterized by loss of blood flow to the brain. Fortunately, you can lower your risk of stroke in several ways, including the following.

Manage Blood Pressure

Managing your blood pressure levels will lower your risk of stroke. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for stroke. Hypertension, of course, is characterized by high blood pressure levels. When your blood pressure levels are high, your blood vessels may become damaged. This can cause clots to form that prevent or restrict blood from reaching your brain. Therefore, you should focus on managing your blood pressure levels to minimize your risk of stroke.

Monitor Cholesterol

Along with your blood pressure, you should closely monitor your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can accumulate in your blood vessels if left unchecked. While small amounts of cholesterol are normal, large amounts of it can increase your risk of stroke. Cholesterol buildup creates a blockage, and like all blockages, blood may struggle to pass through it. If you discover your cholesterol levels are high, talk to a doctor about medication options.

Drink Lots of Water

You might be surprised to learn that drinking lots of water can lower your risk of stroke. When you are hydrated, your blood will become thinner -- which is a good thing since it improves blood flow while subsequently protecting against stroke. Water will enter your blood vessels where it promotes thinner blood. If you are dehydrated, on the other hand, your blood will be thicker, thereby increasing your risk of stroke.

Avoid Trans Fat and Limit Intake of Saturated Fat

Another way to lower your risk of stroke is to avoid foods containing trans fat and limit your intake of foods containing saturated fat. Trans fat is one of the worst substances you can consume for your heart. It doesn't just raise levels of bad cholesterol; it lowers levels of good cholesterol. As a result, consuming even a small amount of trans fat can increase your risk of stroke.

Saturated fat isn't quite as bad as its trans fat counterpart, but you should still consume it in moderation. Most health experts recommend consuming no more than 10% of your daily calories from saturated fat, which usually translates into about 16 to 22 grams.