Changing your lifestyle and diet can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease. Obesity, for instance, can increase your risk of stroke and other heart conditions. To determine your BMI, weigh yourself and use the calculator to calculate your excess body fat. Limit the amount of saturated fat and salt in your diet. Fill up your plate with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains instead of fried or fatty foods.
A healthy diet and regular physical activity can also reduce your risk of developing various health problems. Eating a variety of healthy foods, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, can lower your risk of stroke by as much as 80 percent. However, certain heart conditions require medical care and surgery. To lower your risk of stroke, be sure to follow the advice given by your doctor. If you take medicine, you must follow the directions carefully and ask questions. Never stop taking any medicine without consulting your physician.
A Mediterranean-style diet includes fish, fruits, and vegetables. While fish and other fatty foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they have not been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and fortified foods do not have any significant impact on heart disease. However, some supplements can have harmful effects on your health, including beta-carotene. Finally, it is important to quit smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, it raises your blood pressure and clogs the arteries.
If your arteries are clogged with plaque, you could be at risk for a stroke. This happens because plaque forms on the walls of arteries and affects the flow of blood to the heart. Ultimately, a blocked blood stream to the heart will result in a stroke. In the meantime, your heart will be deprived of oxygen and may not function properly. In these cases, treatment is necessary to keep your heart functioning.
In addition to a diet, a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of a stroke. A balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk of stroke. By making these changes, you can reduce your risk of developing a heart attack. For those at risk, quitting smoking may be a good idea. Avoiding second-hand smoke as much as possible is an added benefit. These are just a few of the many ways to prevent heart disease.
Another important aspect of preventing a stroke is lowering your blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of stroke, and an irregular heartbeat is one of the primary causes. Diabetes can cause fatty deposits to build up in the blood vessels, narrowing them and cutting off the blood supply to the brain. Ultimately, the only way to prevent a stroke is to change your diet and lifestyle.
