Tips for Preventing Stroke from UPMC in South Central Pa

Learn how to protect yourself against a possible stroke by understanding the risk factors. Know that while some risk factors cannot be controlled, others can. Become aware of these risk factors and take action.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Age. Stroke risk increases for those greater than age 55.
• Heredity. African-Americans are two times more likely than Caucasians of the same age to have a stroke.
• Gender. More women have strokes than men because women live longer, but men have strokes at a younger age then women.
• Medical history. If you have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a "mini-stroke," you are 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone who has not.

Controllable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure (the number one risk factor for stroke)
• Diabetes
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Smoking
• Obesity/being overweight

Stroke: What's Your Risk?

Be Proactive

Do what you can to change the risk factors you can control.

• Take your medications as prescribed. This is especially true for heart, blood pressure, blood thinner and diabetes medications. If you can't afford your medications, let your doctor know.
• Keep your medical appointments.
• Monitor your health. Check your blood sugar if you are a diabetic. Check your blood pressure.
• Monitor your weight. Eat healthy and exercise.
• Know your cholesterol levels. If your LDL or "bad cholesterol" is elevated, then start a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and take medication if directed.
• If you smoke, quit! For smoking cessation help, call 717-231-8900.
• Get educated on stroke.