It's a number you should know just like your phone number. If you have high blood pressure, there are medications that your physician can prescribe that will help you lower it. Also, eat a well-balanced diet including food that is low in fat and is low in salt. If you are overweight, work to lose the extra pounds, and exercise for at least 20 minutes four to six times each week. About 20 percent of people who have diabetes end up having strokes.
Research shows that persons who control their diabetes have lower chances of having a stroke.
If you smoke, you are damaging your blood vessel walls, making your heart work harder and increasing your blood pressure, all which are factors that can lead to stroke. If you currently smoke, stop. Once you have been smoke-free for five years, your risk for stroke is the same as someone who never smoked. If you need help to stop smoking, Mercy offers a stop smoking program in conjunction with the American Lung Association and the Iowa Heart Center. If blood cannot circulate efficiently, it can pool and form blood clots.