“How can I reduce my risk of stroke?”

Reducing risk of stroke is similar to reducing risk of heart attack. Maintain a health weight and diet, exercise, manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. If your physician thinks that you are at risk, he or she may suggest that you take a daily baby aspirin and perhaps a statin to reduce that risk.

Please see your Primary Care Physician or Neurologist.

For education, to reduce your stroke risk:

Control Blood Pressure – Keep it below 130/80 mmHg.

Manage Cholesterol & Diabetes – Follow medical advice and treatment.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol – Avoid tobacco and excessive drinking.

Exercise Regularly – Aim for at least 150 minutes per week.

Eat a Healthy Diet – Follow the DASH or Mediterranean diet.

Maintain a Healthy Weight – Reduce excess weight.

Treat Atrial Fibrillation & Sleep Apnea – Seek appropriate medical management.

Manage Stress & Sleep Well – Prioritize stress reduction and quality sleep.

Having a family history of stroke increases your risk, but you can take steps to lower it by managing key risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Controlling blood pressure is crucial—aim for below 120/80 mmHg by reducing salt intake, following a heart-healthy diet (DASH or Mediterranean), and exercising at least 150 minutes per week.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, keep A1C below 7% and focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich foods. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is also important—keep LDL (“bad” cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL and increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) through a diet rich in healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fish. If cholesterol remains high, statins may be recommended.

Stay active and hydrated, and take anticoagulants if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) to prevent blood clots. Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI <25, waist <35 inches for women, <40 inches for men) and engaging in regular exercise can further reduce risk.

Smoking doubles stroke risk, so quitting is essential. Limit alcohol to one drink per day (women) or two (men). Managing stress through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga and getting 7–9 hours of sleep supports overall heart health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to lowering your risk of stroke. Limit sodium and bad fats and have a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Maintain a healthy weight and do regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes each week which is recommended by AHA (American Heart Association). Diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure must all be controlled with routine checkups and, if necessary, medication. Limit your alcohol intake and abstain from smoking. Finally, become aware of the symptoms of a stroke so that you can take quick action if needed.

Managing key lifestyle factors and conditions, for example exercise regularly, lower blood pressure, eat a healthy balance diet, limit alcohol intake , maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke , control diabetes and cholesterol