High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk
High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk
High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of all strokes are related to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause the walls of the arteries to become thick and rigid, which increases the risk of a clot forming and blocking the flow of blood to the brain. This can result in a stroke.
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure and is defined as a blood pressure reading above 140/90 mm Hg. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, and managing it is essential to reduce the risk of stroke.
Treating High Blood Pressure to Reduce Stroke Risk
Treating High Blood Pressure to Reduce Stroke Risk
Treating high blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can help to lower blood pressure.
If lifestyle changes are not enough to bring down blood pressure, then medications can be used to help control it. There are several different types of medications that are used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. It is important to work with a doctor to find the medication that works best for you.
High Blood Pressure and Stroke Prevention
High Blood Pressure and Stroke Prevention
It is important to remember that high blood pressure can be prevented. Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Regular check-ups with a doctor and monitoring of blood pressure can also help to identify and treat high blood pressure early.
By managing high blood pressure, it is possible to reduce the risk of stroke and lead a healthy, active life.