May is Stroke Awareness Month—a perfect time to educate yourself about the stroke risk factors for seniors, how to recognize the signs, and steps you can take to protect your health. The good news is that seniors can take control of many of their risk factors, and even small lifestyle changes can lower their chances of experiencing a stroke. At Trio Healthcare skilled nursing facilities across Virginia, we provide comprehensive rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care for those recovering from a stroke. Keep reading to learn more about how seniors can lower their risk.
Understand the Risk Factors
Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular accidents or CVAs, can happen to anyone at any age, but certain factors make it more likely. The first step in reducing your risk for a stroke is to educate yourself about what puts you at risk. Some risk factors of stroke are out of your control, like family history and age, but many are related to health and lifestyle factors that can be managed.
Some of the most common stroke risk factors are:
- High blood pressure. There are often no symptoms, so it is important to check your blood pressure regularly.
- High cholesterol. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- Heart conditions. Disorders like coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation can lead to blocked arteries and blood clots.
- High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and prevent oxygen delivery, raising stroke risk.
- Obesity is often linked to other stroke risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Sickle cell disease. The disease causes some red blood cells to form an abnormal sickle shape which can get stuck in an artery and block blood flow to the brain.
Recognize the Signs—F.A.S.T.
Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke, because timely medical treatment can significantly improve outcomes. There is an easy acronym to help you remember what to look out for to determine if someone is having a stroke: F.A.S.T.
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
Facial drooping is often the first sign to be noticed. If a person smiles and their face is uneven, it could mean a stroke is leaving one side of their face numb and unable to move. If the person is also stumbling over their words and complaining of arm weakness, these factors likely add up to a stroke. Don’t hesitate—call 911 immediately to get the person the medical attention they need.
What Can You Do?
Even if you have a family history of stroke, you can take charge of your health and lifestyle choices to reduce your risks by taking the following steps:
- Managing high blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do, as it is the biggest risk factor. Treat it with medication if necessary and support healthy levels by reducing salt, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and exercising.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar. Losing even as little as 10 pounds can lower your risk.
- Exercising regularly can help you manage weight, reduce blood pressure and lower stress. Incorporate daily movements into your life by taking the stairs, walking in your neighborhood or taking an exercise class with a friend.
- Limiting alcohol intake is important, because drinking more than two drinks a day can increase your risk for a stroke. If you do drink, red wine should be your first choice, and you should monitor your portion size.
- Treating atrial fibrillation is important to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your heart and travelling to the brain, causing a stroke. Commit to regular checkups with your cardiologist and take any recommended medications.
- Managing your blood sugar with medication, diet and exercise.
- If you smoke—quit! Smoking accelerates clot formation by thickening your blood and increasing the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries. This can dramatically increase your stroke risk.
Start Small for a Healthier Future
You don’t need to make big changes overnight—every small step you take will lower your risks for a stroke and improve your overall health. Don’t wait to get started! If you have already experienced a stroke and need support to recover, Trio Healthcare can help. Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation teams across Virginia can help you regain strength, mobility and stamina so you can exercise more and prevent future strokes. Contact us to learn more!