The weight of serious health concerns, like heart attacks or strokes, can leave people feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and with all kinds of questions and concerns. But the truth is, many of these conditions can be avoided or significantly reduced through proper healthcare and simple lifestyle changes. Knowledge is power. Understanding the causes of life-threatening events can empower us to take preventive measures to prevent strokes, even if complete elimination isn’t always possible.
One of the more frequent questions our pharmacy receives is whether it’s possible to lower the risk of a stroke—and how. Most people are aware that strokes can happen suddenly and how serious the outcome can be. There’s still a lot that people don’t understand about strokes. Let’s try to clear up some of the confusion by answering your most common questions.
Are strokes spontaneous “out of the blue” events?
In most cases, strokes don’t just come out of nowhere. They’re often the result of underlying health issues that can be managed, at least to some degree. Health factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and conditions like irregular heartbeat can all be triggers for strokes. When people take charge of their health, whether it’s through regular check-ups, medications, or healthier habits, they can lower their chances of experiencing a life-altering stroke or heart attack.
Is it true that 80% of strokes can be prevented?
Yes, it is estimated that 80% of strokes can be prevented by addressing stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in moderate-intensity exercise, and keeping cholesterol levels under control play a crucial role in stroke prevention.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
The acronym FAST can serve as a reminder of what the main warning signs of a stroke are:
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties
Time to call emergency services.
Other signs can include sudden confusion, trouble with vision from one or both eyes, and difficulty walking.
Can anxiety cause a stroke?
While anxiety alone does not directly cause strokes, chronic stress, and anxiety can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease, which are known stroke risk factors. Managing stress levels is essential for overall cardiovascular health.
What foods prevent strokes?
A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce stroke risk. Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, along with those low in saturated fats, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the chance of developing heart disease.
Who is more prone to have a stroke?
Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease are at a higher risk of having a stroke. Conditions like atrial fibrillation and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are also strong predictors of stroke. Those with a family history of stroke are more likely to experience one.
What are the three main causes of stroke?
The three leading causes of stroke are:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol leads to the buildup of plaques in arteries
- Atrial fibrillation, which can cause blood clots to form and travel to the brain
What brings on a mini-stroke?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. It is usually caused by a small blood clot or irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation).
What does a pre-stroke headache feel like?
A pre-stroke headache can be sudden and intense, often described as the “worst headache” ever experienced. It may be accompanied by other stroke symptoms, like vision changes or numbness.
Can emotional upset cause a stroke?
Strong emotional upset or sudden stress can elevate blood pressure and trigger strokes, which may lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), especially in individuals who already have underlying stroke risk factors like high cholesterol or heart disease.
Is it possible to have a stroke and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have a silent stroke where there are no apparent symptoms. These strokes can go unnoticed but still cause damage to the brain, often being detected later through imaging.
How do you feel before a stroke?
Before a stroke, people may feel sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. They may also experience confusion, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
Can stroke be cured?
The results of strokes can be treated but not cured. This is mostly because in the course of the stroke, blood flow into a portion of the brain is cut off, and nerve cells die because of lack of oxygen. Those cells can never grow back. Rehabilitation can help other cells take over the lost functions to some degree, but they are almost impossible to recover fully. That’s why prevention through lifestyle changes like managing cholesterol levels, staying at a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure are essential.
How can I test myself for a stroke?
There are no at-home tests for strokes. If there are any signs that a stroke is about to happen or happened recently (a “silent” stroke), seek emergency medical help immediately. It’s essential to recognize warning signs like facial drooping and speech difficulties.
What are silent stroke symptoms?
A silent stroke may not show any outward symptoms but can result in cognitive decline, memory issues, or difficulty with coordination and balance later on.
How long can a stroke go unnoticed?
A silent stroke can go unnoticed indefinitely unless symptoms like memory loss or balance issues arise or the stroke is detected on a brain scan.
What age has the most strokes?
Most strokes occur in individuals over the age of 65, but younger people, particularly those with stroke risk factors like high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat, can also experience strokes.
Can you stop a stroke from occurring?
Once a stroke begins, it cannot be stopped without medical intervention. However, managing cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy diet can reduce the risk of stroke.
How should I sleep to avoid a stroke?
Sleeping on the side may help reduce pressure on the blood vessels in the skull and improve circulation. Good sleep hygiene and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels are essential in stroke prevention.
Which medications can help to prevent strokes?
Antihypertensives (Blood pressure medications)
High blood pressure is one of the most significant stroke risk factors. Medications that lower blood pressure, such as:
- ACE inhibitors (like Vasotec)
- ARB blockers (like Benicar Plus)
- Beta-blockers (like Lopressor)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Cardizem, Norvasc, or Procardia)
- Diuretics (like Diovan HCT or Atacand)
These medications help keep blood pressure within a healthy range, reducing strain on blood vessels and lowering the likelihood of blood vessel damage or rupture that could lead to a stroke.
Statins (Cholesterol-lowering drugs)
High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of stroke. Statins, such as Atorvastatin (like Lipitor or Liptruzet) and Simvastatin (like Zocor), help reduce cholesterol levels, mainly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. By keeping cholesterol in a healthy range, statins reduce the risk of blockages that can lead to strokes.
Antiplatelets (Blood thinners)
Blood clots are a common cause of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes, where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Medications such as Aspirin or Plavix help prevent the formation of blood clots. Taking low-dose aspirin is often recommended for people at higher risk of stroke, as it helps prevent clot formation.
Anticoagulants are another type of blood thinner, usually prescribed for individuals with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). Warfarin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Eliquis are commonly prescribed. These medications prevent blood clots from forming in the heart, which could carry on to the brain and cause a stroke.
Diabetes medications
Diabetes (high blood sugar levels) puts people at a somewhat higher risk for stroke. Medications like metformin, direct forms of insulin supplements, and newer diabetes management drugs like Ozempic, Ribelsus, and Mounjaro help keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range, reducing the risk of damage to blood vessels that can lead to stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation medications
People with atrial fibrillation are usually prescribed anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Antiarrhythmic medications like Cordarone, Tambocor, and Rythmol can also control the heart’s rhythm or rate, lowering the overall risk of strokes.
