The Network covers all of Greater Manchester and Central & Eastern Cheshire.
Stroke Prevention
A stroke can happen with no obvious cause, to people of any age – but there are factors known to increase the likelihood of it happening.
Factors we cannot change
Gender – in people aged under 75, more men have strokes than women.
Age – strokes are more common in people over 55.
Family History – having a close family member who has had a stroke increases the risk.
Ethnic Background – people from Asian, African and African-Caribbean communities are at greater risk.
Other medical conditions can also damage arteries such as hgh blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Factors we can change
Diet – fatty foods cause cholesterol which narrow arteries, salt leads to high blood pressure and being overweight puts strain on the heart.
Alcohol – heavy drinking raises blood pressure. Binge drinking can burst vessels.
Exercise – inactivity causes furring of the arteries. Regular exercise keeps the heart and bloodstream healthy.
Smoking – causes higher blood pressure and makes blood thicker and the chemicals in tobacco damage vessel walls.
Individuals can therefore reduce their risk by having their blood pressure checked regularly, stop smoking, take regular exercise, avoid heavy drinking and cut down on salty and fatty foods.
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External Links / Further Reading
www.nhsdirect.co.uk
www.stockport-pct.nhs.uk
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