Seven Ways to Prevent a Stroke

The first warning sign of stroke is often a stroke, so it’s never too early to start thinking about prevention

- Lisa Turner

Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, and they’re not just a problem for the elderly; unlike other forms of cardiovascular disease, strokes are increasing among younger people. In fact, from 2010 to 2014, the rate of stroke increased by 147 percent in people ages 35–39, compared to rates from 1995–1999. And while strokes aren’t always fatal, they can have life-changing effects, including problems with balance, communication, and cognition, or changes to vision, emotions, and behavior.

Like other forms of cardiovascular disease, strokes are largely preventable. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1.Kick the salt. 

A high sodium diet increases blood pressure, one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. Over time, excessive pressure can damage arteries in the brain, making them more susceptible to bursting or clogs. According to the World Health Organization, high blood pressure can more than double your chances of having a stroke. Additionally, studies show that lowering sodium intake can reduce stroke risk by 24 percent. So kick your salt habit; shoot for less than 2,300 mg per day with a few simple tips:

Avoid processed foods. Chips, crackers, processed meats, and fast foods are the single highest source of sodium in most people’s diets, and a cheeseburger and fries at most drive-through restaurants will add 1,000 mg of sodium or more to your daily intake. Watch out for hidden sources of salt. Pasta sauce, salad dressings, canned soups, barbecue sauce, and other condiments may have as much as 1,000 mg of sodium per serving—almost half of the recommended upper limit.