There is some immediate benefit from stopping smoking. Your risk of having a stroke will decrease significantly within two years after quitting smoking. Seek a treatment program to help you quit smoking. Obesity Being overweight increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, atherosclerosis and diabetes, all of which increase your risk of stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider about determining your body fat percentage and an appropriate weight for you.
Weight control is possible by altering food intake and physical activity.
Sedentary Lifestyle Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation, as well as lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also helps with weight control and managing stress. Talk to your physician before starting an exercise program. Excessive alcohol intake Having more than two alcoholic drinks a day can raise your blood pressure. Limit daily consumption to no more than three ounces of 80-proof liquor, or eight ounces of wine, or 24 ounces of beer.