Stroke Risk, Heredity and Preventing the Threat of Brain Attack

BY JARETT C. BIES, AVERA HEALTH

Almost everyone knows strokes are emergencies, like a heart attack that hits the brain. Yet many of us don’t know experts estimate 80% of strokes are preventable.

Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is stopped in some way, for example, a clot in an artery or a ruptured artery. They remain a scary part of life – every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.

“We’re seeing strokes that occur to younger people,” said neurologist William Rossing, MD, Avera Medical Group Neurology. “If we can recognize and treat risk factors like smoking, obesity, blood pressure and high cholesterol, we can help more people avoid strokes.”

Rossing said controlling high blood pressure is very important in preventing stroke risk. “Via lifestyle change, medication or other methods – it’s vital to address high blood pressure to stop strokes,” he added.

Are Strokes Hereditary?

“While lifestyle factors are among the most common means to prevent stroke, some risk factors can’t be affected through lifestyle change, like your family history and age,” said Ellen Krogh, RN, BSN, Stroke Coordinator at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

Studies show children or grandchildren of people who have stroke have a higher risk of having a stroke at a younger age. “Data indicate family history of stroke in at least one parent can increase risk for women and double risk in men,” Krogh said.

“Many parts of our life affect the chance of stroke but knowing your family history can help you and your provider consider treatments, such as medication, that might reduce risk, Krogh said.

Risk Factors for Stroke

It’s important to remember there are risk factors you can control even if stroke runs in your family. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart and/or vascular disease

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

• Age – stroke can occur at any age but risk increases with age

• Obesity

• High stress and anxiety

A sedentary lifestyle and diet high in processed foods also can add to stroke risk.

“Preventing stroke is something patients and providers can do together,” Rossing said. “It’s much better to prevent one than to treat a stroke once it has happened.”

How to Lower Risk Factors: Follow these health habits to lower your risk:

• Eating a healthy diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables.

• Getting plenty of activity – 30 minutes of activity five days a week is what’s recommended, and it can be as simple as a daily walk.

• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol with lifestyle, including exercise and diet, and prescribed medications

• Controlling diabetes with diet, exercise and prescribed medications

• Managing any other chronic conditions carefully with your care team

• Avoiding tobacco use and excessive use of alcohol

“Since eight in 10 strokes can be prevented, we should put our focus there,” said Krogh. Avera continues to enhance the ways it helps patients facing stroke, including state-of-theart treatments, medications and support for anyone facing this emergency.

BE FAST to Recognize Stroke Symptoms

Besides doing your best to decrease risk, time is important when treating a stroke. Know the signs of stroke and how to quickly alert emergency medical services for rapid evaluation and treatment. If you see symptoms of stroke in you or a person near you, call 911 immediately.

Learn more at Avera.org/Stroke