Strokes are pervasive in this country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, someone in this country has a stroke, and every three minutes and 13 seconds, someone dies from one. The neurological event, which is caused either when blood flow is interrupted on its path to the brain or a blood vessel bursts in the brain, is also on the rise among Black young adults.
In a recent study on the prevalence of strokes in young Black adults, the American Heart Association (AHA) found they were experiencing them at four times the rate of their white peers.
The reason for the increase in young Black adults is difficult for experts to pinpoint. However, the AHA said strokes could be caused by chronic stress, high blood pressure, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
While strokes are rising among younger Black populations, more than 80% are preventable. Several health resources, including the CDC, the AHA, and the American Stroke Association (ASA), have advice on being proactive against these preventable medical occurrences. Below, theGrio has rounded up seven top tips for preventing a stroke.
Know (and manage) your risk factors
Strokes are becoming all too common, meaning risk factors associated with the condition are equally prevalent. According to the ASA, risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lifestyle, lack of physical activity, smoking, and a history of heart disease, such as atrial fibrillation, when the heart’s rhythm is irregular. The ASA warns other preexisting conditions that could lead to strokes if not properly managed include diabetes, sleep apnea, and sickle cell anemia.
The ASA recommends understanding your personal risk and making any necessary lifestyle changes. The CDC also encourages regular monitoring of any risk factors, like blood pressure and cholesterol, as going unchecked…
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