Now we have the evidence to say that physical activity is an exceedingly important factor. A stroke occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails, most often as a result of blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer, taking an estimated 160,000 lives annually. Regular exercise may help prevent strokes, the recommendations note, in part because physical activity positively affects many risk factors. Physical activity improves cardiovascular conditioning and helps keep the heart in shape, which is a major risk factor.
Exercise also can improve cholesterol ratios and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Recent research has helped strengthen the link between physical activity and stroke prevention. Journal of the American Heart Association. Light activity such as bowling and general housekeeping activity did not have the same effect. While it's generally not necessary to get a physician's approval to go out for a walk, sedentary people who want to begin a program of vigorous exercise should consult their doctor first. Getting regular checkups is essential to stroke prevention, since keeping track of such personal health information as blood pressure and cholesterol levels is important in reducing risk of the disease.