Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. Take steps to avoid becoming a statistic to the third leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease and cancer.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain, occurring when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.

Although some risk factors of stroke may not be avoidable, including age, family history and gender, people can take steps to help lower their risk of suffering a stroke.

“Maintaining good cardiovascular health should be a top priority for Americans, especially when they want to decrease their stroke risk,” said Michael A. Sermersheim, M.D., board-certified neurologist, Josephson Wallack Munshower Neurology and Indiana Neuroscience Institute at St.Vincent. “Both genders should be cautious of stroke—as more women than men die from the attack.”

Good for the Heart

From monitoring high blood pressure to controlling diabetes, solid cardiovascular health plays a vital role in the prevention of stroke.

The following are ways you can help avoid experiencing a stroke:

• Avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol.
• Stop smoking. The nicotine and carbon dioxide from cigarettes can harm your cardiovascular system.
• Consume less sodium to help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Consult your physician on ways to control your blood pressure. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein, which is known as the “good” cholesterol, seems to contribute to the risk of stroke in elderly men.
• Eat healthfully and get regular exercise. Diets high in calories paired with low activity can lead to obesity.
• Keep your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.

Regular checkups are also important in helping prevent stroke. Talk with your physician about how you can reduce your risk.

“Even following a strict diet and exercise routine doesn’t shield someone from stroke,” said Dr. Sermersheim. “Having a secure relationship with your physician is a necessity. Together, you can monitor your health and know if your risk for stroke increases.”

To find a primary care physician in your community, visit physiciannetwork.stvincent.org.