Stroke Risk Factors You May Not Be Aware Of, Find Out Now
Stroke risk prevention methods such as cholesterol medications, normal blood pressure levels, no smoking and regular exercise, are well known by most citizens. But, did you know there are also several other stroke prevention things you can do, that are not as well known? Indeed there are, and we will list some of them in this blog. Incorporating these preventive measures also help you even more to neutralize your risks for suffering a stroke and heart attack.
Statistics show that 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, and a major cause of disability among senior citizens. Strokes cause walking disabilities, memory loss and speech difficulties. Most strokes are triggered by a blood clot in the brain; in other cases, a blood vessel bursts.
But, there are additional, lesser known risks that you also need to know about.
Stroke Risk: Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation increases your risk for stroke and heart attack. Studies show that getting less than six hours of sleep per night quadruples your risk for stroke! Lack of sleep increases inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. The best thing you can do is get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Stroke Risk: Brush Your Teeth Often
It’s very important that you brush and floss your teeth at least once a day. It keeps your heart and your cardiovascular system healthy. It keeps bacteria from entering your blood system which can cause blood vessel inflammation and blood clots.
Stroke Risk: Irregular Heart Beat
If you feel your heart jumping, get it checked out immediately with your doctor. You may have atrial fibrillation (Afib). If you leave this condition untreated, it increase your risk for by an incredible 500%. In many cases, a person may not realize they have Afib, and that’s why it’s important to get regular heart check ups. Afib is more prevalent in senior citizens, aged 65 and older. In some cases, your cardiologist will have you wear a heart monitor 24/7 to get a good baseline of your heart activity.
Stroke Risk: Sitting, Sitting, You Sit Too Much
Sitting for prolonged periods — for example, like when you’re at work during the day or relaxing at home in front of the TV — will increase your risk for stroke and hear attack. In one study, those who sat for 10 hours or more a day had an 18 percent higher chance of stroke.
So, just go ahead and break up your sitting times with 3-5 minutes of light exercise, or even just walking around and doing some stretches.
Stroke Risk: Too Much Red Meat Can Kill
Americans love to eat red meat, lots of it. Anytime, morning – noon- or night. From bacon to steak, Americans are ready to eat red meat.
But, if you value your health, then think twice before you grab that extra slice of bacon. Red and processed meat are very bad for your heart and circulatory system.
European researchers, doing a long-term study, found that for every 100 grams of red or processed meat participants consumed per day, their risk for heart disease increased by 19 percent.
Another study, by Cleveland Clinic researchers found that red-meat eaters have higher levels of a gut bacteria called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).This bacteria is linked to higher levels of heart attack, stroke and death.
Eat red meat in moderation.