7 Ways Women Can Prevent a Stroke

In the U.S., nearly 1 in 3 women will die of stroke, a “brain attack” that occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.

In fact, each year, 55,000 more women die of stroke than men. Because stroke is so common, it’s something all women should be concerned about, even young women. Prevention is key. Here’s what you can do to reduce your stroke risk.

1. Know your risk level. American Heart Association guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention put women into three risk groups: high risk, at risk, and ideal cardiovascular health.

It’s important to identify which of the three groups you fit into. You’re at high risk, for example, if you already have heart disease because you’ve had a heart attack or a stroke or have diabetes.

You’re at risk if you smoke, have high blood pressure (greater than 120/80), have total cholesterol above 200, you’re overweight, you don’t exercise, and/or you eat an unhealthy diet.

You fall into the category of ideal cardiovascular health if your total cholesterol is less than 200, your blood pressure is less than 120/80, your body mass index is less than 25, you don’t smoke, you’re physically active, and you eat a healthy diet. (Only one out of more than 1,900 people falls into this category, according to a Circulation study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.)

Then, based on your risk level, talk to your doctor to determine the best preventive program for you and your heart. If you’re at high risk for stroke because you have diabetes, for example, you’ll want to manage your blood sugar closely. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for stroke because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, creating conditions ripe for a stroke.

2. Stop smoking. “Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke because it increases blood pressure and the tendency for blood to clot, both of which are independent risk factors for stroke,” says Lori Mosca, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and director of preventive cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Women who take oral contraceptives and smoke are at even greater risk for stroke than women who don’t. To stop smoking, don’t go it alone. To increase your chances of success, get counseling and use nicotine replacement or drug therapy, if you need it.

3. Exercise your options. Get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise each week, such as brisk walking or 75 minutes of vigorously intense physical activity. such as jogging or singles tennis. Consistency is key for a healthy heart and to help avoid weight gain, which is common as we get older because metabolism slows with age.

Obesity is a major risk factor for all cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Nearly 2 out of every 3 women older than 20 are now overweight or obese.

4. Eat to beat stroke. What’s good for your heart is also good for the blood vessels that feed your brain. Center your diet around fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as oatmeal and whole-grain bread. Eat fish twice a week, preferably fatty fish, such as salmon.

Limit salt to less than 1,500 milligrams per day. Cut out trans fats and keep dietary cholesterol and saturated fat low by eating fewer fried foods, meat, packaged desserts, butter, cheese, and other high-fat dairy products, such as sour cream and ice cream. Limit alcohol to one drink daily or less.

5. Know your numbers. Get a checkup to get the facts: What’s your blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, triglycerides level, glucose (HbA1c), body mass index, and waist circumference? How to do these compare to the ideal?

High blood pressure (140/90 or more) can up your stroke risk; below 120/80 is ideal. Optimal total cholesterol is less than 180; fasting blood glucose should be less than 100; and your body mass index should be less than 25.

Try lifestyle tactics to improve your numbers, such as changing your diet and losing weight. If that doesn’t help, talk to your doctor about drug therapy.

6. Talk to your doctor about aspirin therapy. The AHA guidelines recommend daily aspirin use for women with heart disease, diabetes, or stroke to protect themselves from future attacks, unless your doctor tells you there’s a medical reason not to. Routine aspirin use isn’t recommended for healthy women under 65, though.

7. Don’t ignore symptoms. A common one in women is atrial fibrillation — an irregular rhythm that causes one of the heart’s chambers not to beat properly. A clot can develop because of abnormal blood flow, causing a stroke.

If you notice that your heart develops the tendency to occasionally beat rapidly and then slow down, see your doctor. You might also experience other symptoms, such as lightheadedness or difficulty breathing. A stroke from atrial fibrillation is preventable; blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), can help. BW